Make Your Own Fresh Cut Flower Food

I remember the first time I received flowers. It was so exciting! I couldn't wait to see how long they lasted. Unfortunately, like most of us, I forgot all about proper care instructions, and now my flowers are wilting and dying. But, it's okay — these flowers didn't die without purpose: the lesson learned will help me keep my next bunch of flowers alive and well!

Instructions:

• Fill a clean container with one quart of warm water. Use a container that is deep enough to submerge the stems of your flowers completely.
• Add one teaspoon of sugar to the water. The sugar provides nutrients for the flowers.
• Add one teaspoon of vinegar to the water. This helps to kill any bacteria that could cause the water to become cloudy and reduce the life of your flowers.
• Add two teaspoons of lemon juice or citric acid. This helps to lower the pH level of the water, which can help the flowers take up water more easily.
• Mix the solution well until all the ingredients are completely dissolved.

Note: Be sure to use clean containers and utensils when making your flower food to prevent contamination and prolong the life of your flowers.

Other pro tips:

If you can, trim the stems of your flowers at an angle under running water and place them in the prepared solution immediately.

Change or top up the water and refresh the solution every few days to keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible.

So go forth and make some fresh cut flower food! It's easy, you'll save money on floral preservative, and you'll save your flowers from wilting away. And don't forget to enjoy all of the beautiful flowers while they last.