Bees are critical pollinators, so anything you can do at home to support our bee population is helpful. One of the easiest things is to plant prolific plants that produce a nice amount of pollen and nectar. Flowers are obviously a good choice, since they produce pollen more frequently, but so are trees and shrubs, because they produce high quantities of both pollen and nectar. And remember: Avoid using chemical insecticides outside, where they can harm bees.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If your home uses a tank water heater, it’s important to flush it out at least once a year. Small particles, dirt and other sediment collect at the bottom of your water heater throughout the year, and these things can have a dramatic effect on your unit’s overall efficiency. And this task is easy enough to perform that you can do it yourself! Check your manual for specific instructions, but the process is as simple as flushing water through the drain valve to clean everything out.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Have some rusty tools that could use a good cleaning? When your workshop or gardening tools have oxidized and turned rusty, you can easily wipe away the rust by using a kitchen staple: a potato. Potatoes are high in ferric oxalate, which turns the rust into a sludgelike substance that is easily wiped away. Cut a potato in half (perhaps use spuds past their prime) and wipe away. Or grate a potato, cover the whole rusty tool and let it sit for a few minutes. You'll see the rust soften and be ready for a quick cleanup.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION