Monthly Tip

Use lemon-lime soda or lemon juice to extend the life of cut flowers.  The following mixtures supply food for the flowers and enough acidity to deter microbial activity.

• Lemon-lime soda mixture. Mix 1 part regular lemon-lime soda (not diet soda) with
  3 parts warm water. Add 1⁄4 teaspoon of household bleach per quart of this solution.
• Lemon juice mixture. Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (fresh or bottled), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1⁄4 teaspoon of bleach per quart of warm water.

For more information, refer to Extending the Freshness of Cut Flowers at Home.