• Decomposed lawn clippings return valuable nutrients, especially nitrogen,

Decomposed lawn clippings return valuable nutrients, especially nitrogen, to the turf. Rake up grass clippings only when the grass has grown unusually tall between cuttings.

• Set young melons and canteloupes atop tin cans. They will ripen faster and taste sweeter, with less insect damage, than those left sitting on the ground.

• After the garden is well-established, it’s best to water it thoroughly once a week rather than giving it a light sprinkling every day. That way, a deeper root system is encouraged which will help the plants tolerate occasional dry spells. Generally, an application of one inch of water to the surface will wet the soil to a depth of six to eight inches. A handy measure is a coffee can set between the plants where it will catch the same amount of water which is reaching the ground.

• House plants may be kept in good condition for several weeks during vacation time by using clear plastic bags as miniature greenhouses. Place several sticks into the soil which are taller than the highest growth of the plant; these will support the tent so it does not rest on the foliage. Soak the pot thoroughly, allow it to drain, and place the pot inside a bag. Plants like African violets which are prone to mildewshould have several air holes in the bag for circulation.

• During hot, dry weather, mulch becomes particularly useful in conserving soil moisture. For the vegetable garden, leaves are a good mulch materia|. They decay faster if they are shredded before being spread on the garden. Ornamentals prefer pine needles or pine bark.

• A mailbox mounted on a garden fencepost can hold plant ties, labels, small tools and other easily-forgotten items for the next trip to the garden.

• To avoid back strain and other muscle pains, try the following suggestions while working in the yard or garden. When weeding, kneel