Consumer Q's - March 1, 2007
March 1, 2007
Contact: Teresa Jenkins
(404) 656-3645
1-800-282-5852
CONSUMER Q’s
Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs
Tommy Irvin, Commissioner
Call Consumer Q’s Hotline at 1-800-282-5852
Consumer Alert/Recall: CFM U.S. Corp. Multi-Purpose Gas Lighters Sold at Wal-Mart Lack Safety Warning Labels
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with CFM U.S. Corporation, today issued a Public Safety Notice for the following consumer products. Consumers should review the safety precautions below for multi-purpose lighters before further use of these lighters. Name of product: Multi-Purpose Gas Lighters; Units: About 1.8 million; Importer: CFM U.S. Corp., of
**************
My garden consists of mostly clay soil. How can I test and improve it?
Clay soils are rich in nutrients, but if the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, those nutrients won't be available to the plants. Use a home test kit or send a sample to a soil testing lab, then follow the recommendations for adjusting pH. For most garden plants, a pH of 6.3 to 6.8 is ideal. Find a lab near you by checking in your telephone directory, or by calling your local cooperative extension office.
**************
When and how should I prune my shrubs?
Timing and frequency of pruning depends on the species of shrub and climate. Prune the new growth of evergreens in late spring and mid- to late summer and avoiding cutting into old wood. Prune deciduous hedges while dormant in late winter and again in summer. All branches need adequate sunlight for strong growth. As the hedge grows, prune the sides so the bottom is slightly wider than the top to prevent the upper limbs from shading the lower ones.
*************
Can citrus plants be grown in containers?
You can grow most kinds of citrus in containers outdoors year-round. Any type of citrus tree can grow in a container, at least for a while. Generally your best are the naturally small varieties such as 'Improved Meyer' lemon, 'Bearss' lime, 'Satsuma' mandarin, and kumquat. Whatever kind of container you choose, make sure it has good drainage. Use a premixed sterile potting soil designed for container plants. Plants in containers generally require more frequent watering than the same plants in open soil, and citrus are no exception. For additional information please contact the office of consumer services.
**************
Spring Cleaning
- It's almost time for spring cleaning, and we have some tips that will make your chores a breeze.
- To remove white water spots on leather, cover them with a thick coat of petroleum jelly. Leave the petroleum jelly in place for a day or so, then wipe it off with a soft cloth.
- Here's a way to clean the filter in your washing machine. First use an old toothbrush to remove any lint. Then soak the filter in vinegar overnight and rinse it with water.
- Before you start to vacuum, put a few drops of lemon juice in the dust bag. It will make the house smell fresh.
- Yellowed linens can be brightened with denture-cleaning tablets. Dissolve tablets (according to package directions) in a sink or washbasin of warm water. Add the stained linens and soak until the discoloration is gone. Wash as usual.
**************
If you have questions, or problems with services or products regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture you may write Consumer Services, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Room 224, Atlanta, Georgia 30334 or call 404/656-3645 (Atlanta area) or toll-free, 1-800-282-5852 (statewide).
Print this