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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IFAS EXTENSION
Have an old packet of seeds and don't know if they will still grow? Put 10 on a damp paper towel; if fewer than 7 sprout, it may be time to replace themHome gardeners can utilize an easy damp towel test to check if their old seeds are still viable. This involves laying out the seeds on a mo...- Bought peaches that are still hard? Put them in a paper bag to speed up ripening instead of refrigerating themMany store-bought peaches can seem ripe at first glance, yet they might still be quite firm inside. To help them ripen, simply keep them at...
- Fridge still smells after cleaning? Soak a cotton swab in vanilla and leave it inside for 24 hours: This little-known trick targets lingering odorsDeep cleaning your refrigerator is vital for eliminating odors and maintaining food hygiene. Consider soaking cotton swabs in vanilla essen...
- Trump gives Xi rare planeside welcome with 30m red carpet; trade truce extendedChinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Washington to meet US President Donald Trump as part of a three-day event. During the visit, they ...
- Put unripe tomatoes stem-side up in a paper bag with a few holes: The setup may help them ripen by keeping ethylene close to the fruitHarvested tomatoes can continue to ripen thanks to the ethylene gas they emit. For the best results, arrange them in a paper bag with venti...
- Why are some pears supposed to be picked while they are still hard? Leaving them on the tree can make the flesh gritty, while indoor ripening gives better fruitFor optimal texture and flavor, pears should be harvested while still firm and green, as they undergo a unique ripening process. Unlike app...
- Put hard pears in a tightly closed paper bag: The gas they naturally release gets trapped inside and speeds up the ripening process that takes 7-10 daysTo enhance the flavor and texture of pears, it's important to note that they are usually harvested while still firm. For a speedy ripening ...
- In 2003, Florida reused 6,000 tons of concrete rubble in Pensacola Bay: The material helped build a 7-acre oyster reef, and seagrass later spread to 2.5 acresDowntown Pensacola has witnessed an inspiring transformation through Project GreenShores, which repurposed recycled concrete rubble into a ...
- In 1989, Jacksonville opened an automated train above downtown; in 2026, its free 2.5-mile Skyway with 8 stations is set to stop runningJacksonville’s Skyway, an innovative automated transit system, will cease operations due to a major budget deficit. The Jacksonville Transp...
- Xi Jinping says China, US should be 'partners rather than rivals'Chinese President Xi Jinping received a welcoming gesture from US President Donald Trump during a recent visit. Both leaders emphasized the...
- British Columbia sues OpenAI over Tumbler Ridge school shootingThe lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court names OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, as defendants. It is seeking damages to cover what t...
- Florida doesn't know where invasive giant Burmese pythons are hiding in the Everglades. So scientists are following the malesIn Florida, scientists are cleverly using male Burmese pythons equipped with transmitters to track down their breeding groups. These males ...
- Colorado homeowners have a narrow fall window for their final lawn cut - here’s when to stop mowing in 2026Colorado lawn mowing guide: Colorado homeowners may be nearing their final lawn mowing of 2026, with the Farmers’ Almanac placing the state...
- A $1 million Starbucks agreement in Florida puts its hiring & workplace diversity policies under fresh scrutiny as the company faces four years of compliance requirementsStarbucks will pay one million dollars to settle a Florida lawsuit concerning hiring practices. The coffee company did not admit any wrongd...
- Use rubbing alcohol for routine pruning; reserve a 1:9 bleach solution for tools exposed to fire blightRecent millennial gardening trends highlight a crucial oversight regarding tool sanitation, which can contribute to the spread of plant dis...
- Blanch fresh spinach for exactly 2 minutes, then plunge it immediately into ice water; this step prepares the leaves for 10–12 months in the freezerBlanching spinach for two minutes stops enzymes that degrade quality. This quick process prevents spoilage and maintains color and taste in...
- Florida was throwing away damaged metal signposts. In 2026, they are being turned into underwater habitatsIn Florida counties, discarded road signposts are being creatively repurposed into underwater habitats. These metal structures are transfor...
- Hulk Hogan's former Florida mansion listed for $11 million after the death of legend. He bought it for $3.33 million in 2012Hulk Hogan's former Clearwater Beach mansion was listed for $10.989 million in January 2026, months after his death, despite having been pu...
- Florida dumped 500,000 tonnes of used oyster shells into the sea. It has now developed new reefs, cleaner water and is recovering the coastal environmentOver the past 16 years, Florida has successfully returned over 500,000 tons of shells to the Gulf, providing vital surfaces for young oyste...
- In 2024, Florida scientists found a hidden trail left behind by invasive snakes — their DNA can linger in water and soil even after they disappearA 2024 study by Florida scientists found that invasive snakes can be detected through traces of DNA left behind in water and soil. The new ...
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