Q: I have a real problem with ladybugs. Many are in the house, with hundreds more trying to get in. How can I get rid of them? A: Ladybugs are a great insect to have in your garden because they help get rid of other pests, but I can understand your frustration with ladybugs getting into your house. They come inside in the cooler weather because they are looking for a place to hibernate, and they make their way in through cracks in your foundation and openings around your window frames, doors, dryer vents and phone and cable lines. You should fill any cracks or openings with caulk. Sealing the cracks and holes should keep out the bugs and help you save on your heating bill. To get rid of ladybugs in your house, use a nontoxic insecticide, or vacuum them up and then release them outdoors.
Q: I love the taste of chamomile tea and would like to try growing my own chamomile. How do I dry it to make tea?
A: Chamomile tea is delicious and soothing. When your chamomile flower petals begin to turn upward, carefully remove them. Dry the petals in the shade on a sheet of paper and be sure to protect them from the wind! Or put the petals on a cookie sheet and into a just warm oven (100 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few hours. Do not use screening to dry the petals, as they tend to cling to the screen. Once the petals are dried, store in an air tight container -- and enjoy your tea.
Q: I grow delicious chives in my garden, and I want to know if I can bring them inside so that I can continue harvesting during the winter? How should I do this?
A: In late summer, dig the clump of chives out of the garden and place them in a small pot filled with a good potting mix (do not use one with added fertilizer). Leave the pot outside until the tops die back and the roots freeze. The plant needs to go through a cold, dormant period in order to send up shoots again. After a few weeks, bring the pot inside and place in a sunny windowsill. The plant should start growing again in a few weeks, supplying you with fresh chives during the winter months!
Time saver tip: Hate to spend a lot of time on weeds? If so, you'll love this tip! You can help block weeds with something that you already have at home: newspaper. Wet sheets of black-and-white newsprint (approximately five to 10 sheets), then lay the sheets around your plants. Cover the newspaper with mulch to keep it in place. The newspaper works to block the weed growth, and the mulch helps the newspaper last (six to 18 months).
