Greetings to all from the Bluegrass State of Kentucky......
The sounds and sights of Spring have finally arrived here while on the other side of the world many of you are looking forward to the cool crisp days of Fall.
May the changes of the seasons bring you many days filled with happiness, joy and love.
I received a email from Australia asking if I had any tips on growing pineapples. I hope the information below brings you many tasteful treats.
HOW TO GROW A PINEAPPLE FROM ITS TOP
Cut the top off the pineapple and remove all of the fruit. If you leave some fruit on it will rot the top.
Remove the bottom 1" or 1 and 1/2" of leaves The stalk will root but the leaves will rot.
(the secret) Dry the top for two days or until a callous forms .
Depending on the humidity this could be as short as a day or as long as a week. Do this some place cool and dry. If you don't do this the stalk will rot.
Dip the stalk end in water and then into rooting hormone. This makes rooting faster.
Lay the stalk in a pot of fast draining potting soil so that only part of the stalk is touching the soil.
Don't put the entire stalk in the soil. In other words DO NOT plant the stalk in a vertical position. If you do then it is highly likely the stalk will rot. If you live in a very dry climate then put the pot and stalk in a plastic bag to conserve moisture.
Mist frequently to keep the soil moist but not wet. Roots should appear in 2 or 3 weeks.
Once roots appear, repot the pineapple (this time in the vertical position) in a fast draining soil.
Remember, pineapples like tropical conditions. High light, constant humidity, and constant light. Fertilizer in the summer time.
In 2 or 3 years, it will grow another pineapple.
HOUSEHOLD TIPS
Have a scratch on dark wood furniture? Rub a paste of coffee grounds and water onto it, let dry, then gently wipe off.
Remove Stickers From Glass In Seconds :
Work a little peanut butter into a sticker to remove it from glass, crystal or metal. Wipe off, then clean as usual.
Ant Repellant: To keep ants out of the house, find where the ants are entering the house and sprinkle a "barrier" of cinnamon or any type of ground pepper to block their way. The spices are too hot for the ants to cross.
Ink Stains: The best way I have found to get out ink stains is to put rubbing alcohol on the stain - it disappears! This must be done before washing.
Kitty Litter: To keep cat litter fresh smelling, mix baby powder in with the litter.
Microwave: Food splatters all over the inside of your microwave and cooks itself on after time. To easily remove this mess, place a sponge soaked in water in the microwave. Cook on high heat for 2 minutes, then allow it to sit without opening the microwave door, for 5 minutes. It is now ready to be wiped right off - no scrubbing - and your sponge is right there.
Stains in Plastic Storage Containers: Use a baking soda paste (baking soda and water) and rub into the stain. You can then rinse with vinegar (optional) and wash normally. Another method is to place container outside on a nice sunny day and the sun actually bleaches the stain out. To avoid stains in the first place, spray container with cooking spray before putting things in it that stain i.e. spaghetti sauce.
Stovetops: To prevent grease and grime from sticking to your stove top, making it easy to clean, rub it down with car wax on occasion.
GARDENING TIPS
Removing Poison Ivy: Mix a gallon of soapy water and 3 pounds of salt and spray the area.
Use a salt shaker to sow seeds in your garden--it will distribute the seeds more evenly.
Push a drinking straw into the soil and funnel water into it to avoid disturbing new seedlings.
Wet a clean sponge and sprinkle with parsley. Place near a window and you will soon have a large clump of foliage.
Natural Insecticide: Add onions and garlic to a jar of water, let it stand for a week, and spray plants with it.
Spray cut flowers with hair spray to make them last longer
Cut plastic mesh baskets that strawberries and other fruits are packed in at the grocery store, to fit into the bottom of vases for use as frogs to hold cut flowers
COLLECTING SEEDS FROM ANNUALS
Allow the seed cases to turn brown and die.
Remove the seed cases from the plant and place them on a tray with some baking paper underneath. Leave the tray in a cool place to dry out. (The paper is to help you find the seeds after they've been evicted from their casings).
Once the pods or casings are completely dry, it's just a matter of gently shaking them onto the paper. Remove any husks and dry foliage from the seed and pour into an envelope. It's best to use paper envelopes rather than small plastic bags for if the seed is not completely dry they can begin to rot in a plastic bag or container.
Label and date the seeds and store for the next season.
Until next month....keep smiling and reach for the stars.........
Above Pixel graphic by me :)
