Making Grapes Last

In my house, grapes are the one fruit I can count on my son eating.

Plus they're easy to pack in a lunch.

But more often than not, 

they start getting nasty before we get a chance to eat them all.

Then I came across an idea of mixing vinegar and water

and soaking the grapes in the mixture.

The vinegar washes off nasty things on the grapes

plus it kills fungus and such that can make your grapes go bad.

I've had grapes last nearly 3 weeks.

No more wasted grapes!

So, here's what you do.

Get a large bowl.

Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water.

I usually do 1 cup white vinegar to 4 cups of water. 

Put the grapes in and let them sit for a while.

I usually let them sit at least 20 minutes.

When they're done, 

drain the mixture off and let them air dry.

Don't rinse them off or anything.

I promise you won't taste any vinegar.

Then I separate them into snack bags and put them in the fridge.

Makes an easy snack to throw in the lunchbox or grab on the go.

(I shared this with my cousin who tried it and had the same results)

You can also use this for other fruits and veggies.

Fungus Among Us

So I started seeds indoors.

(You can read about it here)

I wasn't very hopeful that I would have success 

because every time I've done this in the past

I've had all my seedlings die due to 

damping off disease.

This is a disease caused by fungus and/or molds

that are naturally occurring in the potting mix.

It can kill seedlings 

or it can prevent germination.

So, of course, it hit my seedlings again.

For future reference, 

you can sterilize your soil in the microwave by placing it in a microwave safe dish

covering it loosely

and heating on High for 8-10 minutes.

Let it cool on its own before using.

But my problem was happening now.

So here's the remedy I found.

Chamomile Tea.

Yes that herb tea that relaxes you and makes you sleepy

has anti fungal properties.

You boil 2 cups of water, 

make your tea then put it in a spray bottle and use it to water and mist your plants.

The results?

My tomatoes began germinating

and my cabbage, peppers and kale are not dead.

I did lose most of one of the cabbage varieties I had,

however, I did set aside some of the seed to direct sow in the garden.

Now, if only the weather would cooperate so I can get the garden tilled!