Genius House Hacks · a GopherCentral & PulseTV publication
Household Hacks & Garden · Mar 28, 2023 edition

Two Natural Hints for the Garden and Kitchen

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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Chemical fertilizer isn't the only way to feed a garden or houseplants, and the free, natural alternative is probably already going down the drain.

Save Your Cooking Water for the Garden

Water used to steam vegetables, boil potatoes or corn, or hard-boil eggs is loaded with nutrients that leached out of the food, and plants love it once it cools. The same goes for water from cleaning out an aquarium. The only water to skip is anything boiled or steamed with salt, which can kill plants.

Test Egg Freshness With Saltwater

Mix two tablespoons of salt into a cup of water in a bowl, then drop in the egg in question. A fresh egg sinks; one that floats should be skipped.

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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive: 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →