Q: You wrote in one of your books that tires can be used as planters. Is this safe, with no chemicals leached into the soil?

A: I shy away from using the word “safe” for any human endeavor. Walking around your yard is usually considered safe but I recently tripped on a limb and fell flat on my back! I wouldn’t use a tire planter for plants you want to eat, like tomatoes or herbs, but I see no reason why one couldn’t be used for a colorful assortment of annual flowers.

Although the practice of turning tires inside out to make a planter has been around since shortly after the first tire was discarded, garden raconteur Felder Rushing has made a career of the demonstration. Learn how at http://john.moisttowelettemuseum.com/tireplanter/index.html.