During the summer months, storage spaces like closets, pantries and shelves in the garage can get particularly hot. If you use these spaces to store canned food, take a moment to measure how hot the temperature is. When temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of spoilage jumps significantly for canned products. And when canned food products are exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time, not only is there a greater risk of spoilage, but the nutrient value decreases. This is also the case for canned foods in glass jars. Always store them in a cool, dark place and away from high heat.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Edible flowers are all the rage in cooking right now, but be wary of the types of bouquets you buy. Many flowers are considered edible -- like pansies and lavender -- but if they aren’t grown organically, they can be harmful to eat. When buying edible petals, look for USDA-certified organically grown varieties to use in your salads, drinks and pastries. Or better yet, grow your own. When you grow from seed, you know exactly what was used (or, in this case, not used) to grow them.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Solar lights are both an eco-friendly and easy way to add illumination to your garden or yard. The lights have built-in solar panels that soak up the sun’s rays and illuminate at night using the power of recharged batteries. To maximize their efficiency, be sure to place them where there is full sun during the day. And at night, make sure they are away from lamp posts and other outdoor lights, because any residual lighting can prevent them from turning on.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION