Being a writer, it pains me to read the original title of this article—“5 Ways to You’s Sugar in Garden or Lawn.” However, the tips are interesting, so I’ve decided to post them:

• Get rid of nematodes by cultivating 4pounds of sugar per acre of soil in early spring and or late fall.

• Make a fertilizer for strawberries and rhubarb by combining 6 pounds of dry garden food with 1cup of sugar.

• Trap insects in a gooey mess by sprinkling flour and powdered sugar on plants in the morning before the dew dries.

• Feed hummingbirds with a mix of 2parts sugar and 4parts hot water: replace every other day or so.

• Remove gasoline spots from lawn areas by sprinkling a mix of 7cups of gypsum and 2 cups of sugar over the area and watering frequently.

Photo CC 2.0, Cayusa

Trying to nurture your little one’s green thumb? It’s a of carrot cake with these tips:

• A picture is worth a thousand words. Never tell kids something you could show them.
• Young kids have a very short attention span. Make sure that youhave lots of options available so they can get started immediately and stay busy. Digging holes is one thing that seems to hold endless fascination.
• Instant gratification helps a lot. Plant radishes even if you don't like them-they come up in three or four days.
• Growing their own will generally get kids to try eating things they otherwise wouldn't walk into the same room with.  
• After an activity, do something to reinforce what everyone has learned. Talk about what went on, who did what, who saw what. If you can, have them write things down or draw pictures. If they're too young, take dictation.

Photo CC 2.0, Ruth Flickr

If you're thinking of organic gardening, you must check out this one-stop resource for everything you need to know!

Highlights include:

• Mulch acid-loving plants with a thick layer of pine needles each fall. As the needles decompose, they will deposit their acid in the soil.
• There is no need to work the soil deeply when adding compost or soil amendments. Eighty five percent of a plant's roots are found in the top 6" of soil.
• Use the least-disruptive and least-polluting protections against a pest. Try the following methods as applicable: first physical removal, barriers, and traps; next, biological controls; then, appropriate botanical and mineral pesticides.
• A compost pile with too much "brown" material will compost slowly; too much "green" material will create odor problems.

Photo CC 2.0, Martin LaBar

You don't need a food dehydrator to dry out your herbs—just toss them in the microwave!

From the Weekend Gardener:

First:
Arrange the herbs in a single layer on a paper towel or piece of waxed paper on the floor of the microwave.

Second:
Microwave the herbs on high for 2 minutes, check the herbs, then turn the paper towel or paper.

Third:
Microwave another 2 minutes or until the herbs are crisp and dry.

Fourth:
Store them in a glass jar or sandwich bag, with all the air sucked out, and label them.

Home dried herbs can last very well for up to a year or more before they start to loose their oils and flavor. Keep them in a dark, cool place to keep them fresh.

Photo CC 2.0, chotda

When you get a great batch of tomatoes from the garden the pressure’s on to use them while they’re still good. Have you ever considered freezing them? They won’t be solid when you defrost them, and therefore not good for salads and sandwiches, but you should can use them in cooked dishes, like chili.

Recipe Tips explains:

• Wash tomatoes under cool running water.
• Slice an "X" on the bottom of each tomato with a small utility knife.
• In a large saucepan bring water to a rolling boil.
• Fill a large mixing bowl with ice cold water.
• With a large spoon, place tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen skin.
• Remove tomatoes after 30 seconds, place directly into cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Core the tomatoes by removing the stem with a paring knife.
• Peel away the skin, being careful not to injure the flesh of the tomatoes.

Tomatoes can be frozen whole, chopped or sliced. Place tomatoes into a freezer bag, seal and freeze. It is best to use the tomatoes within one year. Be sure to label and date your freezer bag.