Heloise

Dear Heloise: I bought three blueberry plants, but I’ve never grown them before. Can you give me a few tips on what to do to keep them in good shape? — Jean B., Metairie, Louisiana

Jean, blueberries grow well without heavy feeding, but you will need to keep a nice cover of mulch around them. Make sure that you water them well in soil that drains easily. It’s sometimes recommended to use cottonseed meal with blueberries. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Here’s a fun project for kids: Gather many (up to 20) medium-sized flat rocks, scrub them, and let them dry. Then divide the rocks into two groups. Paint one group bright red with black dots and the other bright yellow with black stripes! It’s the ladybugs versus the bumblebees.

Get some long twigs to fashion a tic-tac-toe board on a picnic table, and a tic-tac-toe contest should ensue. My grandchildren have hours of fun playing with the rocks! — Gennie, in Texas

Dear Heloise: I have to carefully read our neighborhood happenings app because of misleading headlines. If someone posts a headline that says “Lost Dog,” it can mean the person has found a dog that is lost, or sometimes the person has actually lost their dog.

Might I suggest when posting that people should write what is actually going on in the headline? For example: “I Found This Dog On My Stoop,” or “I Lost My Dog.”

For both found and missing pets, always include a picture of the animal and any quirky characteristics. Of course, microchipping and a collar with tags are both very necessary for pets. — Mark, in South Carolina

Dear Readers: Let’s get the lawn looking great. Here are some hints:

— Mow slow. Let the blades have a chance to cut the grass. Doing it in the afternoon is better after the dew has burned off. Wet grass clumps and clogs lawn mowers.

— Taller grass is healthier. Mower blades set at 4 inches will not scalp the lawn. Taller grass typically means stronger and deeper roots.

— Water, fertilize and seed regularly. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I’m 93 years of age, and I love your column! I take newspapers, towels and cloths to the animal shelter. They also accept unopened foods. Please print this; many people don’t realize what the shelters need. — Pat S., in Whittier, California

Pat, thanks for your letter. I am more than happy to share it!

Readers, you can call shelters to see what they need beforehand. Here are some more possible items: paper towels, trash bags, plastic grocery bags, supplies for the office (pens, sticky notes, hand sanitizer, copy paper), heating pads, flea treatment, collars, leashes, food bowls, cat litter, laundry detergent, rubber gloves, and any cleaning supplies. Monetary donations, too!

This is a wonderful summer project for scouting and church youth groups. — Heloise

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Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.