HELOISE Tips will leave lawns nice and green

Dear Readers: A beautiful lawn says a lot about its owner, but you don't have to be a slave to your yard to keep it in tiptop shape.
Most people mow the grass the same way every time. But experts say if you mix up the mowing direction and path from time to time, your lawn will be better off. This prevents compacting of the soil and grass, and keeps wheel patterns from forming.
Here are some other tips to get your lawn looking good:
ULeave grass clippings on the lawn for added nutrients.
UWater early in the day to keep the grass moist.
UControl weeds before they get out of control.
UDon't overfertilize -- too much of a good thing can harm your grass.
A good rule of thumb when cutting the grass is to never cut more than a third of the grass blade. You'll find your grass will develop deeper roots, and you'll have a lush, healthy turf that'll leave your neighbors green with envy. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Space in our fifth-wheel travel-trailer bathroom is very limited, so I hung a clear plastic shoe holder on the door. We have grouped items by their use -- hair things together, etc. Now we have plenty of room for storage, and it is easy to find what we need.
The shoe holder travels well after my son modified the way it hangs on the door to make sure it stays put. Brenda Palmer, via e-mail
Here are two hints from Amelia Jenkins, who owns and operates a bed-and-breakfast and reads the column in The Dallas Morning News:
UGo to a lighting store (home-improvement stores don't carry them) and buy a small motion-detector light. Screw it into your pantry light, and you'll never have to fumble for a light switch when your arms are full.
UIf you have a slamming door, glue a piece of foam rubber about an inch thick to the place where the door hits the jamb.
Dear Heloise: When you've poured all you can from a hand-soap refill bottle, fill it with water and keep it with a roll of paper towels at your work station in the garage. It's a handy way to temporarily clean your hands after gardening or other dirty work. Carol Stephens, Spokane, Wash.
King Features Syndicate