When it's time to replace an old kitchen sponge, don't toss it away. An old sponge is the perfect growing medium to use as a seed starter for flowers and vegetables. It's easy: Just place seeds inside the nooks and natural holes of the sponge (or make small slices with the tip of a knife) and mist the sponge well with water. Place it in a dish with a little more water and be sure to keep it moist. In days, you'll see the seeds sprout. When the seedlings are strong enough, you can transplant them into growing medium or just trim the sponge and plant the seedling with the remaining sponge material still attached.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the easiest ways to help bees is to give them a safe, dry place to live in your backyard. A stack of firewood is a natural and untreated place that's perfect for bees. Simply use a drill to create holes in the sides of the stacked firewood between 1/16 and 3/8 inches in width. Drill as deep as the bit will go and randomly create tunnels on the side of the firewood. Don't go all the way through, as bees like a closed tunnel. And sand away any splinters and rough edges, as bees prefer a smooth entry.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you're visiting Florida when millions of freshly hatched sea turtles are making their way to the ocean, you can do just one thing to help them out: Turn off the lights. The baby turtles make their way to water at night using the light of the moon to guide the way. But when outdoor lights (or even bright lights coming from inside homes) are brighter than the moon, they often head toward those light sources. And when they go the wrong direction, it can lead to their demise. Turn off the lights and spread the word if you find yourself in Florida anytime June through November.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION