Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: My husband and I run a greenhouse/florist shop and have used the following two hints successfully for years:

To water very small planters and pots that need watering every day, layer the surface with ice cubes. The water will melt slowly and not just run through.

Remove a cactus thorn by placing a piece of packing or masking tape over the spot, then lift up. Many times the thorn will come right up with the tape. – Marianne Liebmann, Bozeman, Mont.

I love the ice-cube hint. This is really helpful when you have a hanging basket that might drip. – Heloise

Dear Heloise: I used appliance touch-up paint to cover marks and scratches on my metal-framed outdoor furniture. – Sharon J. in Ohio