Try tips to avoid bird feeders spreading weeds

Try tips to avoid bird feeders spreading weeds

Your bird feeder might be sowing weeds in your yard.

Scientists at Oregon State University found weed seeds in each of 10 common brands of wild bird feed, some of which are invasive species in certain areas. When those seeds drop from the feeder, they can sprout and eventually flower and spread.

To minimize the spread of weeds originating in bird feed, the Weed Science Society of America suggests these tactics:

UUse a tray attachment under your feeder to keep seeds off the ground.

USelect seeds that won’t sprout or other foods, such as sunflower hearts (shelled sunflower seeds), peanuts, peanut butter, raisins, mealworms and plain suet cakes.

ULook for treated wild bird food mixtures, which are baked to kill weed seeds.

UKeep an eye out for weeds beneath your feeder, and pull them before they flower.

UAsk the retailer or producer of the seed blend you use what measures are taken to ensure the product is free of invasive weed seeds.

Energy Film insulates windows, cuts UV rays

A do-it-yourself window film promises to insulate windows and reduce the ultraviolet rays that can fade fabrics.

Energy Film is a transparent vinyl film that adheres to the inside of a window with a spray of soapy water and the smoothing of a squeegee. The film is spectrally selective, meaning it reflects much of the sun’s heat and UV rays while admitting most of the visible light.

The manufacturer, Artscape Inc., says it will block 97 percent of UV rays and 70 percent of thermal solar energy. In winter it slows heat loss through the glass by 15 percent, compared with a single-pane window.

The product comes in three sizes ranging from 24 by 48 inches to 48 by 84 inches. Sheets of film can be cut to fit a window, or more than one sheet can be used on a large window.

The product is available at some Home Depot stores and can be ordered at www.energy-film.com. Suggested retail prices range from $19.98 to $34.98.

Whimsy to holiday table

It doesn’t have to cost much to add whimsy and style to the Thanksgiving table.

Buy a large sheet of inexpensive fabric in an earth-tone color to cover the table. Don’t waste money on fine linens.

Add height and drama to the buffet by placing shoeboxes, coffee cans and other items under the fabric, then place the dishes on top of the raised areas.

Going green? Get a pro

If you’re going green in the kitchen, considering hiring a professional architect, contractor or designer to guide your way. Not only can they help you get the best design, they’ll also be able to suggest products and keep your budget on track.

Kitchens use the most energy in the home, thanks to the refrigerator, which is second only to heating and cooling equipment in energy use.

‘Martha Stewart Holiday’ offers ideas, instructions

If you enjoy making seasonal decorations for your home, “Martha Stewart Holiday” is the gold standard for tasteful ideas and thoroughly vetted instructions.

Highlights from this year’s edition:

UA simple idea for displaying Christmas cards on a length of 4-inch green satin ribbon with a bow at the top. It is meant to hang on the back of a door. Two skinny ribbons hang along the edges of the wider ribbon, and they are hot-glued at intervals to form slots for the cards.

UVodka infused with fresh cranberries and orange peel, presented in a pretty glass carafe, makes a beautiful gift that won’t break the bank. Attach a recipe for Cosmopolitans to the neck.

UBest idea for noncrafters: Take scissors and snip open the loops of inexpensive bulk ribbon bows to give them a festive, flowerlike look.

UBest idea, advanced placement: Instructions for how to make adorable pigs and lambs out of cast-off sweaters. Very economical and cozy.

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