Shall we solve each other’s simple problems?

[Merryoldgoat]

So. I have a whole load of shit I’m dealing with that cannot be easily solved.

However I also have a variety of very straight forward issues that I could do with people helping with - so how about we all solve each other’s simple stuff??

Things I need help with and would appreciate answers from people who know:

1. How many towels do I need for a family of four?
2. What is the best way to keep Tupperware properly organised?
3. What shoes do I need to be smart in all weather?

TIA?

We should, but we don't!

1. Throw your existing ones away.Get 10 identical ones so you do not have to match up lids with containers.

Could you take it straight upstairs and fold it on the bed?

Not a problem to be solved, but I just replaced the wall plugs behind the downstairs loo sink. It's been wobbly for about a year since the last tightening of the screws and I kept meaning to do it . Also cleared a shelf for the hedgehog food in the cupboard so it isnt piled up on the worktop.

Tomorrow I aim to build a base for the fan in our bedroom because the fan itself is fine and I have a lot of wood from an old bed base I can use before the rest goes to the dump.

It's for storing it before it goes upstairs because I know how our household works, and so leaving the piles on the dining table or the freezer lid isnt a solution, and I get fed up of baskets or chairs full of washing

I had no idea people use surfaces to fold their laundry, and have dedicated areas

@EmbroideredGardener could something like this work for your utility?

Very small thing but I bought snack pots to measure out my morning granola and seeds for work mornings.

Now I need to figure out a place to fold the laundry that isnt the dining table. Utility is very narrow with a lot already in there so not sure there's space for anything else in there - and while I'd like it to be a temporary resting spot, I know they'd end up being there a few days at least, so table or chest freezer lid not a viable solution! 🤔

Ooh....that's a good shout. Might have a look to see if I can get one that doesn't cost too much as it's only for 1 item.

Sorry, I quoted wrong post - see above!

Possibly it's a bit cold? Try an east facing wall. Also, birds like a bit of cover (eg a bush or tree) v close to the nest so the babies have somewhere safe to hop to when they start to emerge.

Would patio cleaner work?

Shouldn't be close to feeders.

No but I'll give that a go tomorrow. Ta.

Why don't any birds want to use my nesting box?

It's northeast facing. There are nearby feeders and a pond for water. I planted bird friendly flowers like sunflowers. It's nice and high, away from predators. We don't have a cat and there aren't any visiting. The dog doesn't go out there as it's out the front.

This is the third year since I've had it and nothing.

I want baby birds! Why don't the mums and dads like me? 😂🕊️

Have you tried a 50/50 water & vinegar mix @Breadbunbiscuit?

Could work.

Does anyone the best way to get black marks off of a stone garden ornament? Not an expensive one. Have tried washing up liquid and spray bleach so far.

Have tried coffee grounds, crushed shells, pellets, cloches etc - only thing that has worked for me was copper mesh (not tape, they climbed over), erected like a very small fence around the plant’s drip line. Held in place with a tent peg. Needs to be partially buried so they can’t get under, and your plants need to be far enough from other plants that the snails can’t abseil off (or if your plant is in a container, you can wrap the mesh a few times around the top of the pot like a collar).

My dahlias are all un-munched this year, they were destroyed last year. Buying slug-unfriendly plants definitely helps too.

Saw something on tv about wool pellets repelling slugs. Put it on the boarder or around the plant.

@randos If you want to stop slugs and snails attacking your pot plants, smear a thick layer of vaseline at the top of the outside of your pot. Seems to deter them nicely.

I think rodents are inevitable unless you have the feeder above a hard standing and you're scrupulous about sweeping up. Even then, the squirrels will have a go!

Have you tried copper tape or making a circle of pennies around your plants to deter slugs and snails?

Hi! I am looking for some advice from people with small bird feeders. Can I have one in a small garden and not get any rodents attracted to crumbs falling on the ground?

And snails/ slugs - anything natural that really works to stop them attacking everything I plant?

Can't you make all those in the air fryer?

That's great, thank you

Oven pride or elbow grease oven cleaner kits (edited to clarify the brand is called elbow grease, not an instruction to get those muscles working!)

I think they’re about £3-4 from supermarkets, likely cheaper from poundshop. Need to VENTILATE and RINSE!