Month : July 2017

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Gnats and Houseplants

Within the last couple of weeks I noticed gnats flying around and flying right into my face. The issue was that these were not in the kitchen where you would normally think they would be- perhaps by fruit or vegetables on the counter. They were in the living room flying around the seating area. So after some investigating I found my 2 new houseplants filled with them. Actually the houseplants’ dirt was covered with them. What are they: FUNGUS GNATS

Fungus Gnats thrive in moist soil. So after potting my new plants with bagged potting soil the plant soil became infested. The houseplants are currently outdoor plants. But for those who want to rid their plants of the fungus gnats without re-potting with new soil here are some links that can help:

Using Vinegar

Insect Killers

Natural Remedies

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Kitchen Hack #3

Give bananas a longer life

Keep bananas fresher, longer by wrapping the end of the bunch with plastic wrap. Better yet, separate each banana. The plastic wrap blocks ethylene gases from releasing out of the stem, consequently ripening the fruit too fast

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Kitchen Hack

Slow down rotting

Store tomatoes stem end down to keep them from spoiling as quickly. This prevents air from entering and moisture from exiting the scar where the tomato once attached to the vine. Storing them at room temperature rather than in the fridge also makes them last longer.

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Saturday Kitchen Hack

 Keep potatoes white

Cover shredded or diced potatoes with cold water before cooking to prevent the spuds from turning that gross grayish/brown caused by the release of a starch that makes them oxidize.