Now here’s a tip

•“I had a hose that developed a leak. We’re still watering down here in the Sunshine State, so I laid the hose out in my garden so that the hole was near one of my plants. Then I poked more holes in it where they would be needed. I purchased an end cap for the hose for less than a dollar, and now I have a brand-new custom soaker hose. I even spray painted it to blend in with the landscaping. I turn it on from the faucet and water just what is needed.” — E.L. in Florida

•“If you need to transfer a particularly messy liquid into a container and are using a funnel, you might want to try making a liner. Just snip the corner of a garbage bag to fit in your funnel, and fold the edges over the top. Use it and then lose the liner. I do this with motor oil, since it keeps my funnel cleaner.” — C.C. in Massachusetts