CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Most old-fashioned gardeners are a practical lot. They recycled long before it was hip. Compost? It's been a given, without all of the science and hype -- it's just where the dead stuff went that eventually turned into good soil. Garden plant gets too big? Divide it and share it with a neighbor.

So in the no-nonsense spirit, I've been searching for sensible tips that use everyday household items in unusual ways.

Keep that deck dry

I love this. Large containers on the deck often leave large dark stains from water. Even when the containers are on a plant stand, the water still dribbles onto the wood. I read an idea that makes sense -- the gardener used a dish drainer tray, placing the draining lip to run off the deck so the water runs out of the pot and off the deck.

Handy solution

Use the new silicone potholder gloves when transplanting cactus plants. Plants and hands will be happy. These gloves can be worn when cleaning the gutters as well, eliminating wet hands and scraped knuckles. I used mine this weekend when I repotted an aloe and there were no injuries!

Foiled again

Aluminum foil comes to the rescue. When growing cuttings, start them in a container covered with a sheet of aluminum foil. Poke holes in the foil and insert the cuttings through the holes. The foil will hold the cuttings upright and slow water evaporation.

Salt no more

Salt and commercial ice-melting stuff can really harm the concrete around the house. (Not to mention how it wreaks havoc on your plants!) Use baking soda to melt the ice on your steps and walkways. Add sand for traction.

Plant support

I saw a photo that showed an old apple basket that had a rotten bottom that was put to good use. The gardener cut out the rest of the bottom, slipped it over her speedwell (Veronica spicata) and it not only looked pretty, it worked to support the tall blooms as well.

Wind chill

This isn't a tip, just a little fact from Horticulture magazine. The wind chill factor doesn't affect plants. The wind chill deals with the wind's ability to remove heat from warm-bodied animals, which generate their own heat. Plants don't.

Bug off

Rub arms and legs with a fabric softener sheet to keep bugs and mosquitoes away.

Bottoms up

Two uses for plastic soda bottles or milk cartons: Bury a 2-liter soda bottle up to the neck with holes punched into the bottom alongside a fresh planting. Fill the bottle with water or fertilizer, and it goes straight to the roots.

Use old plastic milk jugs to start seeds. Cut off the top, punch holes in the bottom, fill with potting mix and plant.

Fore!

Put golf balls into your watering cans and they will help mix the fertilizer and water. Wear golf shoes when you mow, which helps keep you steady on the slopes and aerate the lawn while you walk.

Mini greenhouse

Use plastic deli containers as mini greenhouses for germinating seeds, suggests Backyard Living magazine. Fill the bottom with soil, plant the seeds, water lightly and close the lid.

Cool tip

Another idea from Backyard Living: Don't throw out old rolling coolers. Store gardening supplies like gloves, tools, string and birdseed inside. They even suggested hot gluing an old outdoor cushion to the top, so after you roll it to the garden, you can use it as a seat while you weed!

Reach Sara Busse at sara.bu...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1249.