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?

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?

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?

@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.

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

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.

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

Could work.

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? 😂🕊️

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

Shouldn't be close to feeders.

Would patio cleaner work?

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.

Sorry, I quoted wrong post - see above!

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.