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Garden Plot: An end to the de-icing debate

By Mike McGrath

Alternative de-icers keep walkways safe and plants alive

“Official” winter is still a week away, but I can personally confirm that we are way ahead of icy schedule this year. A quick check of my files reveals that last winter, it wasn’t until the second week of January early this year that John in Kensington was the first listener to ask about de-icers. He wrote: “I have a stamped concrete walkway surrounded by mature foundation plants. I’ve read not to use Magnesium chloride, Calcium chloride or Potassium chloride because they could degrade the cement

Tools to protect decks, fruit trees, young plants and grass

By Mike McGrath
Carpenter bees: You can keep your deck and enjoy their pollinating powers Bill in Indian Head writes: “Do you have any tips on deterring wood-boring bees? They’re doing a number on my wood-frame front porch and are elusive when I try to spray them or swat them down with a broom.” Carpenter bees don’t sting and are hugely effective pollinators, so please stop trying to kill them. Instead, pick up some blocks of untreated pine, cedar or other soft wood. Drill 1-inch to 2-inch deep starter holes into them with a 5/8-inch drill bit and then hang these “nesting boxes” in nearby areas facing south or east.
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