Water is water, right? So pouring some leftover soft drink or sports drink out of the bottle and onto the ground should be fine for plants, correct? Actually, no. While, yes, these are beverages we use for hydration, they contain high amounts of sugar that can hurt plants. Just like salt, sugary drinks prevent plants from absorbing water. The only type of leftover fizzy stuff that is good for plants is zero-sugar drinks like club soda or carbonated water because they are full of nutrients like oxygen, hydrogen and carbon that plants love.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you fill the produce and crisper drawers in your refrigerator with fruits and vegetables, there’s one more thing you should add: a sheet of newspaper or a torn-up brown paper shopping bag. The addition of thick, porous paper on the bottom of the drawer does two things: First, it helps cushion produce and prevent bruising; and second, it absorbs a gas called ethylene, which the produce gives off as it ripens. Too much ethylene can cause all of your fruits and veggies to over-ripen very quickly. This little trick can help you cut back on food waste and save money, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It may seem harmless (and even charitable) to put food out to feed deer. But the reality is, your supplemental food supply can do more harm than good. Even during the harsh winter months, deer survive using their body fat and by grazing on whatever natural vegetation they can find. Throughout the year, when they find the supply of food that you provide, it can disrupt their movement. And worse, the food can make them sick because it can play havoc with their digestive system. Rather than putting out food, leave areas of your yard wild to help our wild friends.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION