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1 cup blueberries 1 teaspoon fresh sage ½ teaspoon pepper

6 slices bacon 1 small sweet onion, chopped (1 1/4 cups) 2 cloves garlic, minced ⅓ cup packed brown sugar ¼ cup cider vinegar ¼ cup orange juice 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper The baby kale works well with this recipe because it is tender like mesclun yet still holds up when sautéing.

1. Choose the Best Garden Site Most blooming perennial flowers require full sun. That means 6-8 total hours of direct sun each day of the growing season. Don’t have a spot that gets that much sun? You can still grow a pretty garden, but you’ll have to choose perennial plants that thrive with part shade or shade. 2. Prep the Soil Before Planting Whether starting perennials from seeds or transplants, the chances of good growth are greatly improved when you make sure the garden soil is nourishing and that it drains well....

See more of the best silver-leaf plants for your garden. Heartleaf Brunnera Care Must-Knows Heartleaf brunnera adds color and interest to the landscape with little effort—as long as you meet its needs in the beginning. Plant brunnera in a shady spot with organically rich, well-drained, evenly moist (but not soggy) soil. When grown in a cool, shady environment, brunnera can tolerate occasional droughts as long as it receives supplemental waterings during the extended ones....

Lightfoot and Pawlowski’s approach to organizing is empathetic, compassionate, and intentional: “I think our general, overall approach to everything in the home is that you don’t need to be a minimalist,” Pawlowski says. “But you do need to be intentional about what you’re keeping.” Through their decade-old New Jersey­–based organizing service and new book, Lightfoot and Pawlowski are hoping to change the way we bring new items into our home—and how we get rid of (or keep) those things we just can’t seem to let go of....

Frequency: Wipe up spills as they happen; deep clean once a week. Dishwasher Although a dishwasher is designed to clean other items, the appliance itself still needs to be cleaned every few weeks. Aim for a monthly schedule that includes wiping down the door, sanitizing the tub, and washing any accessories. Dishwasher maintenance is important not only for sanitary purposes but also to keep the appliance running smoothly. A buildup of food debris, rust stains, and other grime could compromise your dishwasher’s performance....

See No-Fuss Blue Cheese and Pear Salad recipe See Cherry Crumble Pie Bars recipe

You can use special soils or fertilizers for your container plants that might not be suitable for other plants in your in-ground garden. Neighboring plants won’t soak up all of those good nutrients for themselves, either. Container gardening is a smart method of growing foods like tomatoes, beans, lettuce, and peppers as well. Not only does the height of the planter protect the plants from hungry animals, but you can set it close to your kitchen door for quick and easy access....

How to Can Hot Peppers in a Boiling-Water Canner Break out your boiling-water canner and preserve your jalapeños, serranos, and poblanos with this easy pickled pepper recipe. Because boiling-water canners are usually used for foods with higher acidity, you’ll have to pickle your peppers in vinegar (which is highly acidic) to keep them safe to eat. If you don’t have a boiling-water canner, use a large stockpot with a tight-fitting lid as a substitute....

Step 1: Prep Your Pears Allow for 2 to 3 pounds of pears per quart. Wash the pears with cool, clear water, but do not soak them. Drain the pears, then peel and core them. Halve, quarter, or slice the pears, depending on your preference. Dip into ascorbic acid color-keeper solution and drain. Step 2: Make a Syrup Because pears aren’t a sour fruit, you want to use a thin or medium syrup for canning them, depending on how sweet you like your fruit to be....

No matter which geranium types you select for your next container or flower bed, make sure to keep up with deadheading. And don’t forget to feed them! Zonal, Ivy, and Regal Annual geraniums come in different types: zonal, ivy, and regal. The most common of the annual variety, zonal geraniums, is the most recognizable geranium; it gets its name from the broad band of darker coloring on its leaves. In some, this “zone” is more pronounced than in others....

Exterior finishes come in transparent, tinted, semi-transparent, and solid colors. The look you choose is mainly a matter of personal preference, but there’s a practical consideration: Clear or tinted products usually last just a year or two, depending on the climate. Semi-transparent and solid stains may last two to four years. Whatever finish you choose, deck stain can be applied in several ways, including with some new products that make the job a lot easier....

How to Clean Bathroom Countertops Quickly tidying up your countertops each day will make a big difference in the look of your bathroom. After your morning routine, take a few minutes to make sure everything goes back in its designated space. Place your toothbrush in its holder, makeup back in the drawers, and hair tools hidden behind cabinets. Once the countertop is clear, wipe it down with a damp cloth or a cleaning wipe to catch any new spills before you leave....