How To Keep Brown Sugar Soft

The best ways to keep brown sugar soft are as follows:

• Store brown sugar in a glass jar or other glass container.



• Add a piece of apple in with the brown sugar when storing.



• Add a piece of bread into the container where you store your brown sugar.



• Alternatively, store your brown sugar in the freezer. It will stay soft.



• There are also terra cotta discs made specifically for keeping brown sugar soft.

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How To Make Hummingbird Food - Homemade Recipe

If you want to make hummingbird food for the hummingbirds visiting your backyard feeders then this simple homemade recipe is exactly what you need.

Hummingbird Food Ingredients

• 1 - Cup Water



• 1/4 - Cup Sugar

Bring the 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the sugar to the water. Using a spoon, stir the sugar until it is completely dissolved into the water. Let the mixture cool completely. Once the mixture is cool, you can fill your hummingbird feeder with it. Remember to clean your hummingbird feeder at least once a week. To speed up the process, you may boil the water in your microwave. Although at one time it was common practice, do not add any food coloring to your hummingbird food mixture. You can make hummingbird food and store it for up to a week in your refrigerator.

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How Corn Gluten Meal Works

Corn Gluten Meal (CGM) is a by-product of the corn wet milling process that contains the protein fragment of the corn. Patented in 1991 by researchers at Iowa State University, Corn gluten meal is considered a non-toxic natural alternative to synthetic pre-emergence herbicides. But the chief question is, does it really work? And if so, how?

Corn gluten meal inhibits the formation of roots of germinating plants primarily by desiccation. CGM will not kill existing weeds. As a matter of fact, CGM contains 10% nitrogen by weight. Meaning, if you apply it to an existing stand of weeds you'll just be encouraging their growth. CGM should be applied before any germination of weed seeds. You will also need a bit of luck on your side as corn gluten meal needs a dry period after the weeds have germinated to thoroughly kill the germinating weed. If there is an extended period of moisture in the soil after germination, the weeds will continue to form roots and grow on.

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How To Care for Wicker Furniture

The best way to care for wicker furniture is to regularly dust it with a horsehair brush. If you spill any liquids on your wicker furniture clean them as quickly as possibly with warm water mixed with a little dish detergent. Although wicker is used frequently as indoor furniture it can quickly dry out in this environment. Wicker furniture can actually benefit from a humid environment. Moving indoor wicker furniture outdoors under a covered porch will help to keep the wicker from drying out. Absent moving the furniture you should occasionally run a damp rag over the wicker to help with keeping the fibers moisturized. If you keep your wicker furniture outdoors you can buy some wicker furniture covers to keep it from being destroyed by the elements. Try to give your wicker furniture a good thorough cleaning at least once a year. Washing with warm soapy water followed by a gentle rinse from your garden hose will help keep it in good condition. Give your wicker furniture the care it deserves and it will serve you well for many years.

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