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HINTS FROM HELOISE: Hair too dry? Vegetable oil saves the day

DEAR HELOISE: Years ago, when I was growing up on an Iowa farm, my hair would dry out because I was outside so much of the time. We also had what people called “hard water,” which would dry out each strand of hair. Instead of buying an overpriced hot oil treatment, my mother would warm up some vegetable oil and use a disposable cotton pad to rub the oil on my scalp. Then she would comb the oil through my hair and cover it with a plastic shower cap; the oil and cap were left on while I slept. In the morning, I shampooed my hair as always, making sure that I lathered and rinsed ...

Hummingbird secrets

Most of us know of the ruby-throated hummingbird, a common visitor that weighs between 3 and 5 grams, less than a nickel. Behind that dazzling beauty, however, lies a solitary and aggressive territorial warrior. How does such a tiny bird survive the extreme demands of high-speed ...

Get started with vermicomposting — worms, that is

Have you ever thought of creating a nutrient-rich soil using…worms? Vermicomposting (vermin is the Latin word for worm) is the end product of the natural breakdown of vegetable or fruit waste by worms, leaving behind worm castings or worm manure. The species most used is the red wiggler worm (Eisenia foetida), a smaller (about 1 to 4 inches in length), thinner and, of course, much cuter worm than we commonly see in our gardens. Composting worms are available online from mail-order suppliers. It is best to purchase them during warm months, as these red wiggler worms do not cope well ...

Valley Grows Calendar

Here are upcoming gardening events through the Ohio State University Extension Office. For more information and a complete list, contact: • OSU Mahoning County Extension Office, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield. 330-533-5538. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. • OSU Trumbull County Extension Office, 520 W. Main St. Suite 1, Cortland. 330-638-6783. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Plant and Pest Clinic You can submit your questions by calling the Mahoning County office at 330-533-5538 or emailing us at ...

HINTS FROM HELOISE: Drain water heater once yearly, local woman told

DEAR HELOISE: I just bought my first house, and I need to learn how to take care of it now. Do I still need to drain my water heater? The former owners said that the heater was 4 years old, and they never drained the sediment in all this time. — Ashly W., in New Castle, Pennsylvania Ashly, it’s a good idea to drain off the sediment and mineral deposits about once or twice a year. This helps protect the heating elements and efficiency of your water heater. By taking care of these things, you’ll also extend the life of your heater. — Heloise DEAR HELOISE: My lovely ...

DEAR ANNIE: Irresponsible boss leaves team in the lurch

DEAR ANNIE: I work in a small office where our boss is almost never there. She comes in late, leaves early, works from home whenever she feels like it and is often “unavailable” when problems come up. Meanwhile, the rest of us are expected to answer clients, meet deadlines, handle emergencies and keep everything running. The frustrating part is that she still takes credit when things go well. When something goes wrong, however, she wants to know why “the team” dropped the ball. Last week, we had an upset client waiting on a decision only she could make. She finally showed up ...