How to Grow Ivy from Cuttings

Ivy is a prolific and lush plant that can add a lot of green to your landscape or your home. Whether you want ivy for your yard or for inside your home, growing ivy from cuttings is an easy process that will save you the cost of buying new plants. Start by gathering your cuttings, then root them in soil or water. Keep them in a warm area that gets indirect light and repot them the following spring. With just a little bit of effort and some time, you will have an abundance of new ivy plants that you didn’t have to purchase.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Gathering Your Cuttings

1. Take cuttings from ivy in the late summer or early fall. This is the time of year when there will be fresh growth on the plant, which is especially good for cuttings. Also, the weather will be ideal in the fall to get the cuttings started. Aim to take cuttings before cold weather sets in.^[1]
   
   • Taking cuttings at this time of year will also make the timing right for planting your new plants in the spring if they are going outside.
   • This is the right time of year to take cuttings from a wide variety of climbers, such as passion flower, clematis, and celastrus.
2. Look for young, fresh growth on an existing plant. Ivy cuttings work best when they are made from the current year's growth. You can identify new growth by looking for the parts of the ivy plant that look fresh and light green, not the older areas that have dark green leaves and thick stems.^[2]
   
   • This kind of cutting is called a semi-ripe cutting. It is taken from this year’s growth, not older sections.
   • Avoid picking out pieces that are damaged or have unusual growth patterns.
3. Find a stem that has 3 to 4 nodes on it for best results. Hold the stem with 1 hand just above one of the nodes. Locate a spot right above the nodes or a set of leaves, so that the leaves will be left on the stem after you cut it.^[3]
   
4. Use clean garden shears or a knife to cut off at least . Using clean shears will reduce the chance of introducing a disease or pest onto the cutting as you gather it. To sterilize your shears, wipe isopropyl or rubbing alcohol over the entire cutting surface of the shears. Then, cut straight across the stem with the shears.^[4]
   
5. Wrap the cuttings in a damp towel and put them in a plastic bag. Wet a paper towel or rag and wrap it around the cut ends of the stems. Place the cuttings and the towel in a plastic bag to help keep them moist.^[5]
   
   • This is especially important if you need to wait to put your cuttings in soil for an hour or more.
   • If possible, take your cuttings in the morning. The ivy plant will have a lot of moisture in it at that time, which can help to keep the cuttings moist.

[Edit]Rooting Your Cuttings in Soil

1. Choose pots that are big enough to insert all of the cuttings into. If you are doing 6 cuttings or less, a standard pot will work well. If you are doing more than 6 cuttings, choose a bigger pot or several pots.
   
   • You can put cuttings in any type of pot, including terra cotta, plastic, and ceramic. However, no matter which you choose, the pots need to have drainage holes in the bottom.^[6]
   • Putting several cuttings in one pot will cut down on the space required for the cuttings and it will also mean fewer pots to water. Since the plants will need to be repotted once they have rooted, they will be perfectly fine together in one pot for this period.
2. Fill the pots with soil and water them. Pick a general potting soil or a soil made specifically for propagation, which usually has a high percentage of perlite or sand. Fill each pot with soil until it is below the edge of the pot. Then, place the pot over a sink or set it outside, and fill the pot with water until it runs out of the bottom.^[7]
   
   • Leaving the soil below the edge of the pot will allow you to water the cuttings without the water overflowing.
3. Put holes in the soil apart around the edge of the pot. Use the eraser end of a pencil to make the holes deep. This will allow you to put the cuttings into the soil without moving the rooting powder off the end of the cutting.^[8]
   
   • Make as many holes as you have cuttings.
   • You can also use a skewer, dowel, or another small pointed object to make the holes.
4. Trim off the ends of the cuttings again. Then, prune away any leaves that are within of the end of the cutting. This will give you a clean and fresh end to insert into the soil.^[9]
   
   • This is especially important if your cuttings were gathered longer than an hour or so ago, as the end of the cuttings is more likely to be dried out.
   • Use clean shears or a knife to make these additional cuts.
5. Dip the cut end of each cutting in rooting hormone. Open the container of rooting hormone and pick up your cutting. Dip the bottom of the cut end into the hormone. Lift it out to just above the surface of the hormone and tap it lightly to knock off any excess hormone.^[10]
   
   • You can buy rooting hormone in powder or liquid form. It is available at most garden stores and from online retailers.
6. Place a cutting in each hole in the soil and secure it in place. Insert each cutting into an individual hole. Place the end with the rooting hormone into a hole until it hits the bottom. Hold the cutting upright with one hand and then press the soil around it so that it stays securely in place.
   
   • As you are inserting the cutting, try to keep it centered in the hole so that very little of the rooting hormone is knocked off. However, losing a little of it on the top edge of the hole is fine.^[11]
   • If the cutting is too long or unwieldy to stay in the soil even when it’s pressed around it, you may need to keep it in place with a stake or other means of support. It’s important for the bottom of the cutting to stay put while rooting.
7. Water the pot again until water runs out the bottom. Put the pot under a faucet or use a watering can to soak the soil. Keep watering in a light stream until water comes out of the bottom of the pot, which will signal that all of the soil is thoroughly moistened.
   
   • Be careful not to disturb the cuttings too much as you water. Keep the stream of water away from the base of the cuttings so that they stay securely in the soil.

[Edit]Rooting the Cuttings in Water

1. Cut the stem just below the lowest root node. The nodes look like bumps on the stem where new stems and leaves grow out from. Use a clean knife or pair of sharp scissors and make the cut straight across the stem. Cut about below the node.
   
   • If there are any leaves beside the bottom node, pinch or cut them off.^[12]
2. Place the cutting in a clean cup with room-temperature water. Ensure that the water covers the bottom node on the stem and that there are not any leaves below the surface of the water. Pour out a little water if it’s covering a stem.
   
3. Change the water once every 3 to 5 days and rinse the roots. Dump out the old water and replace it with new room-temperature water once every 3 to 5 days. When you do this, rinse off the roots with room-temperature water. You can also gently rub the roots with your fingers while you rinse them to remove any film that has gathered on the roots.
   
   • Make sure that no leaves drop down into the water, and pluck them out right away if they do.
4. Transfer the cuttings to soil once the roots are in length. Observe the roots as they grow and move your cutting to a pot filled with soil after the roots are about long. Check the length of the roots buy pulling the ivy stem out of the water and holding a ruler next to the roots. Measure from the bottom node to the end of the roots.
   

[Edit]Caring for Cuttings as They Root

1. Place the pots or cups in a bright, warm location either inside or outside. The pots or cups need to be out of direct sunlight but they can’t be cold or light deprived. If the pots are inside, put them in a spot that is near a window that gets bright light but that will not shine directly on the cuttings. If you are keeping them outside, put them in a greenhouse, a propagator, or cover the pots with plastic bags and put them in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.^[13]
   
   • You will need to check on the moisture level of potted cuttings often, so put the cuttings somewhere you can easily access.
   • Consider putting the cuttings somewhere that you will see them regularly so that you are reminded to care for them. This could be in a room you are in daily or near a door you go in or out of every day.
2. Keep the soil in potted cuttings damp at all times. Sprinkle the soil with water whenever the surface starts to dry out. The amount of time the soil takes to dry out will depend on the warmth and humidity where the plants are located.^[14]
   
   • In many cases, a mister works well to keep outdoor cuttings wet while direct watering works well for indoor pots.
   • However, be careful not to drown the cuttings in too much water either. For example, don’t leave the pot sitting in water.
3. Remove any discolored or dead cuttings in the soil or water. In most cases, some of your cuttings won’t survive. If you see a cutting that has turned yellow, wilted, or has fallen over, remove it from the pot. Taking dead and diseased cuttings out of the pot or cup will help the other cuttings to thrive.^[15]
   
   • When in doubt about whether a cutting is dead or dying, err on the side of caution and remove it. It’s best to have fewer healthy plants than to have lots of diseased ones.
4. Repot cuttings when they have new growth or wait until the spring. Climbers like ivy usually root in 1-2 months with proper care. Once you’re ready to repot them, pot them as you would any new plant, being careful with the roots and giving them rich soil to thrive in.^[16]
   
   • If planting outdoors, you can put your young ivy plants in the ground or in a pot. However, keep in mind that a potted plant will need to be watered more often because it will dry out quicker.
   • Allow the new plants establish themselves for at least a few months before repotting them.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=474
2. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=474
3. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/propagation_summercuttings1.shtml
4. ↑ https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2018/1/cleaning_pruning_tools/
5. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=474
6. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=474
7. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=474
8. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/garden-care/starting-flowers-from-cutting/
9. ↑ https://www.planetnatural.com/plant-propagation/
10. ↑ https://www.marthastewart.com/1535873/how-to-use-rooting-hormone
11. ↑ https://www.planetnatural.com/plant-propagation/
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-Xt-Ak8pe4&feature=youtu.be&t=535
13. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=474
14. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/moisture_management_during_vegetative_cutting_propagation
15. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=474
16. ↑ https://www.planetnatural.com/plant-propagation/

How to Wash Your Car Using Less Water

While washing your car at home will save you money from having to go to a professional car wash, it can also be incredibly inefficient on water. The average car wash at home uses an astounding 40 to 140 gallons of water for a single vehicle. In places where there's a drought or an effort to conserve water, keeping a clean car can become problematic. Luckily, there are various methods that you can use to reduce your water usage, such as using a nozzle on your garden hose or washing your car in a shaded area. In addition to these water saving methods, using a waterless cleaning solution can reduce your water usage to a single cup per car.^[1]

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using One Cup of Water

1. Purchase a waterless car cleaner. There are various waterless car cleaners on the market. Take a look at critical and user reviews for different brands. Relate customer experiences and choose the brand that you trust the most. Waterless car cleaners can be purchased at some department stores, most major automotive retailers, and online.
   
   • Some popular brands of waterless car wash include, Meguiar’s Wash & Wax Anywhere, WOW Classic & Sports Box Kit, and Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash.^[2]
   • Some car washes like Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash use eco-friendly or biodegradable ingredients that aren't harmful to the environment.^[3]
2. Dampen a microfiber towel with a waterless car cleaning solution. Soak a microfiber tower with a cleaning solution produced specifically to clean cars. Waterless cleaning solutions allow you to wash your car with minimal or no water. Make sure that cloth is completely saturated before beginning to clean your car.
   
   • Microfiber cloth is non-abrasive and works better than regular rags at cleaning your car and preserving its paint.
   • Do not use a household soap or dish detergent because it could strip the protective wax from your car.^[4]
3. Spray your car with the same cleaning solution. Fill a spray bottle or use one that comes with your product to moisten a small section of the car that you want to clean. You should only need three to four sprays for this. Do not spray over the entirety of the car because the solution could dry before you get to wipe it. Work in small concentrated sections of the car before moving onto another section.
   
   • Get a car cleaning solution that helps break down dirt rather than moving it.^[5]
4. Wipe your car in a circular motion with your cloth. Take the cloth saturated with your cleaning solution and work it into the surface of the car.^[6] You should start to see the solution start to sud or streak across where you are wiping. Go over each area for around 10-30 seconds.
   
   • Start in small areas and move around the car. For example, you can start on the hood of the car then move your way to the passenger side door.
5. Rinse off the cleaning solution with a damp microfiber cloth. Place your microfiber cloth in a bucket filled with a cup of water, or run it under your sink for five seconds. Once it's saturated, go over the areas that you scrubbed with your cleaning solution. Continue to do this until the remainder of the solution is off your car, and there is no leftover residue or fogginess.^[7]
   
6. Dry the area with a dry microfiber cloth. Once the area is rinsed, work the area in a circular motion with a dry microfiber cloth. Once you're done drying it, the area that you've cleaned should look shiny and reflective. Make sure that you dry each section thoroughly so that you aren't leaving any chemicals behind on your paint.
   
   • As an alternative, you can also use a squeegee to help dry areas of your car.^[8]
7. Repeat until your car is completely clean. Repeat the process and move to different portions of your car until the entirety of the car is clean. During this process, you may have to use a lot of microfiber cloth, so make sure to be as conservative as possible and reuse them when you can.
   

[Edit]Reducing Your Water Usage

1. Purchase a nozzle for your hose. If you don't have a bucket and must use a hose, make sure that you buy a nozzle that will allow you to regulate water flow. The average hose will waste 10 gallons of water per minute, meaning that for a 10-minute wash, you'll have used 100 gallons of water. A turnoff nozzle will allow you to rinse your car quickly and turn off your hose while you scrub again.
   
   • You can purchase a nozzle for your hose at most home and gardening and department stores.
   • The cost of hose nozzles range from $14 to $20.^[9]
2. Research eco-friendly car washes in your area. The average car wash uses less water on average than doing it yourself. Search for eco-friendly car wash businesses that actively try to reduce their water usage. There are also other car washes that recycle harmful chemicals like dust, sediment, and detergents and prevent them from entering the stormwater system.
   
   • Some cities that experience regular droughts have banned residential car washing.^[10]
   • On average, professional car washes will only use 14-18 gallons of water to wash your car.
3. Use a bucket of water instead of an open hose. Using a bucket and a wet sponge or rag to rinse your vehicle will help you save water.^[11] Fill your buckets with three gallons or less of water. Instead of washing your car down with a garden hose, rinse your car by using a wet rag or sponge dipped in clean water. When your water gets dirty, empty it out and get a fresh bucket.
   
   • Separating your buckets of water by soapy and clear water will prevent you from having to replace it continually.
4. Wash your car less. An easy way to reduce the amount of water you're using to wash your car is simply to lessen the frequency in which you are washing it. Determine how much time elapses between washings and adjust it to a longer span of time.
   
   • For instance, if you wash your car every two weeks, consider trying to go without a car wash for two months.
   • Citizens in Los Angeles, California took a pledge not to wash their cars for 60 days as a response to an ongoing drought.^[12]
5. Wash your car in a shaded area. Sunlight can cause water to evaporate quicker, which could increase the amount of water you need to use to rinse off your car.^[13] Find some shade, such as under foliage or an outdoor roof.
   

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Polish a Car

[Edit]References

1. ↑ http://sandiegocarcare.com/water-saving-car-washes/
2. ↑ http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/87570/waterless-car-wash-2016-group-test
3. ↑ http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/the-pros-and-cons-of-waterless-car-washes/
4. ↑ http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2012/12/do-s-and-don-ts-of-washing-your-car/index.htm
5. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/g2029/wash-car-with-one-cup-water/?slide=1
6. ↑ http://westphoria.sunset.com/2015/05/28/waterless-car-wash/
7. ↑ http://westphoria.sunset.com/2015/05/28/waterless-car-wash/
8. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/g2620/the-new-right-way-to-wash-wax-and-protect-your-car/
9. ↑ http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-hose-nozzle/
10. ↑ http://www.citylab.com/navigator/2015/09/how-to-wash-your-can-in-a-drought/406753/
11. ↑ [v161055_b03]. 28 June 2019.
12. ↑ http://www.dailynews.com/environment-and-nature/20141007/fight-the-drought-with-dirty-car-pledge-not-to-wash-your-ride-for-60-days
13. ↑ https://www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk/water-efficiency-tips-advice/view/102/how-to-save-water-when-washing-your-car.html

How to Clean Grout with Vinegar

If the grout between your tiles has turned from white to brown, it's ready to be cleaned. Fortunately, there are several homemade grout-cleaning solutions you can make with vinegar. Most of them involve baking soda, a compound which – when mixed with vinegar – creates a bubbly, fizzing reaction that's perfect for cleaning grout. After applying your vinegar solution, use a scouring pad, a toothbrush, or some other cleaning implement to scrub your grout.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using Vinegar Alone

1. Apply vinegar to the grout. Use a vinegar-soaked cloth or a spray bottle filled with vinegar to coat the grout you wish to get clean. If you are trying to clean grout on a vertical surface, a spray bottle is probably your best bet.^[1]
   
   • After applying the vinegar, wait ten minutes before moving on to the next step.
   • Always use distilled white vinegar or specialized cleaning vinegar to clean grout.
2. Scrub the grout. Ten minutes after applying the grout, use a toothbrush to scrub the grout. Use firm up-and-down motions to scrub the grout clean.^[2]
   
3. Wipe the grout. Use a dry or damp rag to remove the loosened grout grime. Allow the area to dry, then evaluate it. If the grout still needs cleaning, try a different method.^[3]
   

[Edit]Using Baking Soda Paste

1. Make a baking soda paste. Combine about two tablespoons of baking soda with about one tablespoon (15 milliliters) of water. The mixture should not be too thin. If it sloshes about in the bowl you mixed it in, add some more baking soda to help it achieve a more paste-like texture. It also shouldn't be too thick. If the mixture is thick and dry, and doesn't adhere well to the fork or spoon you use to mix it, add some water to thin it out.
   
   • The more grout you have to clean, the more paste you'll need.^[4]
   • You can also use an oxidizing bleach powder instead of baking soda.^[5]
2. Apply the paste to the grout. The easiest way to apply the paste to the grout is with your finger. Simply scoop a little dollop of the paste onto your finger tip and smear it in an even layer across the grout you wish to clean.^[6]
   
3. Mix water and vinegar. In a spray bottle, combine water and vinegar in a one-to-one ratio. For instance, you might combine 1.5 cups (354 milliliters) vinegar with 1.5 cups (354 milliliters) water.^[7]
   
   • To prevent grout from accumulating grime in the shower, just spray this mixture onto the shower grout two or three times weekly after getting out of the shower.
4. Spray the mixture onto the paste. Point the nozzle of the spray bottle toward the baking soda paste you've smeared along the grout. Squeeze the handle of the bottle. Repeat as necessary until all of the paste has bubbled up somewhat.^[8]
   
   • You may have to wait about five minutes for the vinegar and baking soda to react.^[9]
5. Scrub the grout. Once the paste has become fizzy with the application of the vinegar mixture, use a stiff-bristled toothbrush to scrub the grout clean. Use a toothbrush you aren't planning on using again for anything but detail cleaning.^[10]
   
6. Wipe the grout. Once you've loosened the grime and grit along your grout, it should wipe away with ease. Take a damp rag or paper towel and wipe it along the grout you've cleaned. Wipe the area along the edges of the grout, too, to soak up any of the lingering water/vinegar.^[11]
   
   • If you want to give your floor an additional level of shine, mop the whole thing after you're done.

[Edit]Making Vinegar Sprays

1. Make a citrus vinegar spray. Mix 3.5 cups (828 milliliters) hot water, ½ cup (170 grams) baking soda, 1/6 cup (40 milliliters) vinegar, and 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) lemon juice in a spray bottle. Aim the nozzle of the spray bottle at the grout you wish to clean. Spray the bottle so that the grout is evenly covered. After one hour, scrub the grout with the scouring side of a sponge to remove the dirt crusted into the grout.^[12]
   
2. Try a salty vinegar mix. Combine ¼ cup (21 grams) salt, ¼ cup (21 grams) baking soda, and ¼ cup vinegar (60 milliliters) in a tall cup or small bowl. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes, then use a small spoon to apply the mixture to the grout. Using a toothbrush or scouring pad, scrub the grout until clean. Once you're finished, mop the grout or use a damp cloth to wipe the grime away.^[13]
   
3. Use an ammonia solution. Mix 3.5 cups (828 milliliters) hot water, ¼ cup (21 grams) baking soda, 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) ammonia, and ¼ cup (60 milliliters) vinegar. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Wait 60 minutes, then spray the grout you wish to clean. Use a scouring sponge to remove the dirt from the grout. Wipe the grime away with a damp rag.^[14]
   

[Edit]Tips

• Always use distilled white vinegar or specialized cleaning vinegar to clean grout.
• Cleaning grout with vinegar is a tedious and time-intensive process. Don't try to clean all the grout in your house at once using vinegar. Instead, do the grout in your kitchen one day, the grout in your bathroom the next day, and so on.^[15]
• Do not use vinegar on marble, limestone, or travertine tile. Its acidic content could cause damage.^[16]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• vinegar
• spray bottle
• toothbrush
• baking soda
• ammonia
• salt
• lemon juice
• dishrag
• scouring sponge

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.maids.com/blog/getting-down-to-the-nitty-gritty-how-to-clean-grout/
2. ↑ http://www.maids.com/blog/getting-down-to-the-nitty-gritty-how-to-clean-grout/
3. ↑ http://www.maids.com/blog/getting-down-to-the-nitty-gritty-how-to-clean-grout/
4. ↑ http://www.decoist.com/cleaning-grout-baking-soda-vinegar/
5. ↑ [v161452_b01]. 1 July 2020.
6. ↑ http://www.decoist.com/cleaning-grout-baking-soda-vinegar/
7. ↑ http://www.decoist.com/cleaning-grout-baking-soda-vinegar/
8. ↑ http://www.decoist.com/cleaning-grout-baking-soda-vinegar/
9. ↑ http://www.decoist.com/cleaning-grout-baking-soda-vinegar/
10. ↑ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-grout-138432
11. ↑ http://www.decoist.com/cleaning-grout-baking-soda-vinegar/
12. ↑ http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2015/07/the-best-way-to-clean-grout.html
13. ↑ http://www.integrity-tile-and-grout-cleaning.com/homemade-grout-cleaners.html
14. ↑ http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2015/07/the-best-way-to-clean-grout.html
15. ↑ http://www.decoist.com/cleaning-grout-baking-soda-vinegar/
16. ↑ http://www.integrity-tile-and-grout-cleaning.com/homemade-grout-cleaners.html

How to Crochet the Moss Stitch

The moss stitch, also known as the granite stitch, is a simple crochet stitch that produces textured crochet pieces. You can use it to make just about anything and it is a beginner-friendly stitch. Learn this simple stitch and make your next scarf, blanket, hat, or washcloth in the moss stitch!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Working the Foundation Row

1. Choose your yarn. You will need at least one ball of yarn to work the moss stitch. You can choose any yarn texture or color. You can work the moss stitch in a single color or you can alternate colors as you start new rows to create a colorful pattern. Consider your desired results for your project to determine if you want to use one yarn color or multiple colors.
   
   • For example, you could work a project using only red yarn, or you could alternate red, yellow, and blue yarns for a colorful result.
2. Select a crochet hook that is appropriate for your yarn type. You may use any type or size of yarn to work the moss stitch, but you will need to ensure that the crochet hook you choose is appropriate for the yarn. Check the label on your yarn for hook size recommendations.
   
   • For example, if you are working with a medium worsted weight yarn, then a hook within the range of an I-9 (6.5 mm) through a K-10 (9 mm) will yield the best results.^[1]
3. Chain an even number of stitches. Start with an even number of chained stitches. To make a chain, loop your yarn around your finger twice, and then pull the first loop through the second loop. Transfer this loop to your hook and tighten it by pulling on the tail. Then, loop your working yarn over your hook and pull this yarn through the loop. This will create your first chain. To make another chain, yarn over the hook again, and pull through again.^[2]
   
   
   • Keep making chains until you have the desired number.
   • You may chain as many stitches as you like, as long as you chain an even number. For example, you might only chain 10 stitches if you just want to practice the moss stitch, or you might chain 120 stitches if you want to make a moss stitch blanket.
4. Single crochet into the 4th chain from the hook. To begin your 1st row, work a single crochet stitch into the 4th chain from your hook (not counting the chain that is on your hook).^[3] Insert your crochet hook into the 4th chain from your hook and then yarn over the hook. Pull the yarn through the chain and then yarn over again. Pull the yarn through both stitches on the hook to complete 1 single crochet stitch.^[4]
   
   
5. Chain 1. Next, chain 1 stitch. This stitch will form your first chain 1 space, which you will work into in your second row.^[5]
   
   
6. Skip 1. Skip the next stitch in your starting chain. This will be the chain next to the chain you just worked a single crochet stitch into.^[6]
   
   
7. Single crochet into the next chain. After skipping a chain, you will need to single crochet into the next chain. Work 1 single crochet stitch into this chain.^[7]
   
   
8. Repeat ch1, sk 1, sc to the end of the row. Keep repeating the sequence of chain 1, skip 1, and single crochet 1 all the way to the end of your starting chain. This will complete your first row.^[8]
   
   

[Edit]Working the Second Row

1. Turn and chain 2. To begin your second row and all other rows that you work in the moss stitch, turn your work around and then chain 2. This will serve as your turning chain.^[9]
   
   
2. Single crochet in the first chain 1 space. You created several chain 1 spaces when you worked the first row and you will need to single crochet into all of them. Locate the first chain 1 space in your row and single crochet into it.^[10]
   
   
3. Chain 1. Next, make a chain of 1. This will form one of the chain 1 spaces for your next row, which you will continue to work into as you continue the moss stitch.^[11]
   
   
4. Single crochet in the next chain 1 space. After you chain 1, single crochet into the next chain 1 space, just as you did the first time.^[12]
   
   
5. Repeat chain 1 and single crochet to the end. To continue working your second row, repeat the sequence of chaining 1 and single crocheting 1 to the end of the row.^[13]
   
   
6. Finish the row with a single crochet stitch in the chain 2 space. Your last stitch in the row should be a single crochet stitch into the last chain space in the row, which will be a chain 2 space.^[14]
   
   

[Edit]Completing Your Project

1. Repeat row 2 until your project is the desired length. To continue working the moss stitch, keep repeating the sequence for row 2. You can continue to work the moss stitch for as many rows as you want or need to for your project.^[15]
   
   
2. Tie off the final stitch when you are done. When you are happy with the length of your project and finish the last stitch in your last row, simply chain 1 and tie off the final stitch. To do this pull, out the loop so that it is several inches wide. Then, cut it in the center. Tie the end of the yarn through the last stitch you made and cut the excess.
   
   
3. Weave in the tail. If desired, you can also weave the tail into the edge of your work using a yarn needle. Thread the tail through the eye of the yarn needle and then weave the yarn in and out of the edge of your project. Tie the end of the tail through one of the stitches and cut the excess when the yarn gets too short to weave it through any more.
   
   

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Crochet hook that is appropriate for your yarn type
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (optional)

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/weight.html
2. ↑ https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/mar06_crochet.html
3. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
4. ↑ https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/mar06_crochet.html
5. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
6. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
7. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
8. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
9. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
10. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
11. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
12. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
13. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
14. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/
15. ↑ http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/

How to Crush Garlic

There's nothing like the deep, pungent smell of a garlic-rich sauce or stew simmering on the stove. Crushing fresh garlic cloves makes them easier to peel, and as a bonus it actually maximizes garlic's many health benefits. Read on to learn how to crush garlic using a knife, a press, or a stone.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using a Knife

1. Remove the root. Place the garlic clove on a cutting board and use a knife to trim off the tip of the root.
   
   
   • Do not cut away too much, or else you will lose good, usable garlic. Only remove the tip.
   • Removing the root end will make it easier to remove the skin later on.
2. Place the garlic clove on a cutting board. Make sure that it is near the edge of the board, on the side that is nearest to you.
   
3. Place the flat side of a broad knife over the garlic clove. Make sure the blade is facing away from your hand.
   
   
4. Use your hand to press the flat side of the knife against the clove. The clove will easily crush under your weight. Use a rocking motion to crush it thoroughly.^[1]
   
   • The sharp blade should face out and away from the hand used to strike the knife. If holding the knife with your right hand, the blade should face right. If holding the knife with your left hand, the blade should face left.
5. Peel the skin. The skin of the broken clove should be loosened and easy to peel away with your fingers.^[2]
   
   
6. Prepare the garlic for cooking. You may crush it further, chop it, or mince it.^[3] To make a paste, strike it with the broad side of your knife until a paste forms.
   
   
   • You should remove the exposed green shoots in the middle of the garlic clove. These shoots can be plucked out with your fingers. It is recommended that you remove them because they can taste bitter.^[4]

[Edit]Using a Garlic Press

1. Peel off the skin. Trim the root end off the garlic clove to make the skin easier to remove. You can remove the skin in several ways.^[5]
   
   
   • Press the clove with the heel of your hand. Applying a small amount of pressure to the garlic clove is enough to loosen the skin. Place the heel of your hand over the garlic clove and press down firmly until you feel the skin start to shift. Lift your hand and peel the skin off with your fingers.
   • As described above, another way to loosen the skin is to press the garlic clove with the flat side of a broad knife. Position the side of the knife over the clove with the sharp blade away from your hand. Press firmly or pound slightly against the knife. You do not need to press hard, since you only want to loosen the skin instead of crushing the clove.
   • You could also use a garlic peeler. This is a rubberized tool specifically designed to help you peel garlic. Place the garlic clove inside the tube and press down on the tube with the heel of your hand. Roll the tube back and forth until you hear a "crunching" sound. Tilt the tube slightly so that the garlic clove topples out. The skin should already be removed.
   • Another way to peel garlic is to microwave the garlic clove.^[6] Place the clove in the microwave and cook for 5 to 10 seconds. The garlic clove will slide out of its skin. You can even peel entire heads or bulbs of garlic this way by putting them in for 15 to 20 seconds. Be aware, however, that this method could make the taste of the garlic slightly less pungent.
2. Place the peeled garlic clove into a garlic press. Place the garlic inside the basket area of the press.
   
   
   • The type of garlic press you use can have an effect on how well the process works. A higher quality press has nubs on it that make clearing garlic out of the holes easier, and you might be able to get more garlic out of each clove as a result. Even a lower quality press will usually be enough to crush the garlic sufficiently, though.
3. Squeeze the press closed. Press the two handles together, applying as much pressure as you can.^[7]
   
   
   • Depending on the quality and weight of your press, you may need to exert considerable force. A garlic press made from a heavier material will usually be easier to press together than one made of a light, flimsy material.
   • The garlic that comes through the other side of the press will be crushed.

[Edit]Using a Stone

1. Find a smooth stone. The stone should be roughly the same size as the palm of your hand.
   
   • In principle, this works similar to the method of using a kitchen knife. The advantage is that you do not have to use a utensil with a sharp blade, and you can use this method when camping or backpacking.
   • A smooth rock works much better than one with a jagged surface. The more even the surface is, the more evenly the garlic will be crushed.
2. Clean the stone. Run it through the dishwasher two or three times to make sure that it is thoroughly clean.
   
   
   • If you do not have a dishwasher or do not feel comfortable throwing stones in it, you can clean the rock by washing it in a solution of hot water, soap, and a small amount of bleach. Rinse well and dry well.
3. Wrap the garlic in wax paper. Fold a small sheet of wax paper around the top and bottom of the garlic clove.
   
   
   • This step is only optional, technically speaking, but it does help in keeping the process sanitary since the wax paper prevents the rock from coming into direct contact with the garlic. It also makes it easier to collect the crushed garlic afterward.
4. Smack the garlic clove with the stone. Give the garlic clove a good smack with the stone, just enough to loosen the skin.
   
   
   • Be careful as you do this so that you do not accidentally crush your fingers.
5. Remove the skin. The skin should peel away easily after the first strike.
   
   
6. Continue crushing the garlic with the stone. You can crush the garlic further by continuing to strike it or by grinding it.
   
   
   • Crush the garlic by striking it multiple times with the stone.
   • Place the stone over the garlic clove and "wiggle" it back and forth, applying strong, even pressure.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Sprinkle a little salt over the cutting board as you work. Salt helps hold the garlic in place and also prevents the board from soaking up garlic juice.^[8]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Broad kitchen knife
• Garlic press
• Microwave
• Garlic peeler
• Flat rock
• Wax paper

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/videos/techniques/how-crush-garlic
2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvBjK9Q5Sg4
3. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/how-to-mince-garlic-0154943
4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/can-you-use-sprouted-garlic-onions-259227
5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtck2h6U62c
6. ↑ http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/10/10/162630042/too-busy-to-peel-garlic-try-the-20-second-microwave-tip
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhkgxxelHnA
8. ↑ https://lifehacker.com/sprinkle-salt-while-chopping-garlic-to-keep-it-from-sti-5917664