In enquiring about seedlings being "topped out" by "critters", Susan said I might have cutworms, and to put collars around the seedlings. She suggested tuna cans, cat food cans with the bottoms removed, old cola bottles. Well, I hardly ever eat tuna, no longer have my old sweet cat and I drink very few soft drinks, but this put me to thinking and kicking myself for the many little 4" bedding plant pots I've thrown in the trash. Cut out the bottoms and, "Bingo", instant collars.

Again, I was thinking about all the useful "junk" we gardeners toss that could be put to practical use, (some of these are old), panty hose for plant ties (gentle on the stems and stretch); old busted garden hose that can be cut in sections, slid onto cables for staking new trees to protect them from whipping around in our Okie wind (protects the bark from the chaffing); clear cola bottles with bottoms removed and placed over tender seedlings when there is still danger of frost. Screw on the cap, if there is a frost threatening in the evening and remove it next AM so as not to bake the plant (instant mini-greenhouse); scoops made out of quart milk jugs, etc., etc. Junk is terrific!

Jeanie