? Make soil cylinders for starting seedlings this easy way. These cylinders make inexpensive substitutes for the peat pellets you buy at the store. You will need: 20 pounds soil mixture (you decide what combination you want) 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 1 quart water Put soil mix in a 5 gallon bucket. Boil water and stir in gelatin until dissolved. Cool. Add enough gelatin* to soil so it holds together when squeezed. Remove both ends (save one) of an empty tomato paste can. Place on a flat sur face and fill 2/3 with soil/gelatin mix. Take saved end and push soil down to pack. Then, gently eject by pushing through. Al low about two hours for cylinders to set. *The amount of gelatin mixture will vary depending on the type of soil mixture you choose.

Linda Quint

MG Trainee

? Here is a quick, easy, and delicious way to use some of the herbs you planted in your garden to discourage bugs.

Herbed Vinegar

Sterilize a pretty bottle (an empty wine bottle for instance) and place in it a variety of cleaned fresh herbs. I like to use a mixture of rosemary, thyme, garlic, green onions, and cayenne peppers from my garden. Heat white distilled vinegar just until it is warm, and pour into the bottle filling it to the top. Seal, using a non-metallic cover, and store for a week or so. Use the herbed vinegar in your vinaigrette salad dressing or on a boiled cabbage and corned beef dinner. Vary the herbs to suit your taste. Enjoy!

Carolyn Gruenhagen

Master Gardener Page

? Garlic and hot peppers make a great spray. Put garlic and crushed fresh red peppers in a small amount of mineral oil and let set for a day. Strain and mix oil with a pint or so of water and spray on your worst insect problems. Add a teaspoon of fish emulsion to repel rabbits from your plants.