Consumer questions, answers
Question: When should I plant paperwhite narcissus bulbs? I would like some to bloom at Christmas.
Answer: As a general rule, “paperwhites” bloom three to five weeks after planting indoors. Some people plant them in pots of soil or in special vases or other containers with water and pebbles or marbles to hold the bulbs steady. Keep them in a cool spot while roots and shoots develop. When the shoots appear, place the plants in a sunny spot to keep the stalks and leaves from getting too leggy. High temperatures can also lead to plants getting too tall and blooming too quickly.
For continuous blooms all winter (and to increase your chances of having perfect blooms for Christmas gifts or for a holiday party), stagger your planting times. Plant a new crop every one to two weeks from late fall onward.
“Forcing” pots or vases of paperwhites can be a fun and educational activity for children. If the flowers are to be gifts, having the children take part in the selection and planting also lets them feel they helped.
Paperwhites may also be planted outdoors, but their blooming time will vary according to the weather. Try forcing some into bloom indoors with various methods and also plant some outdoors. Paperwhites are inexpensive and easy to grow. Store the bulbs in the refrigerator away from fruits until you plant them.
Q: I am looking for peach seeds for crafting and cannot find them on the Internet. Where can they be purchased?
A: Try a commercial peach grower (http://gapeaches. org/) or a company that cans or pickles peaches. If you are a subscriber to the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin (http://agr.georgia.gov/market-bulletin.aspx), you can place a free advertisement under the “Miscellaneous Wanted” section. Your county Cooperative Extension office may also have some suggestions.
If you cannot find a supplier, you may have to save your own or enlist the assistance of peach-loving friends and family. Georgia peach season can start as early as May so don’t delay in asking for help.
Peach seeds are like snowflakes; we have never seen two that looked exactly alike. Freestone varieties will be easier to clean for crafting projects, but cling varieties may also be used.
Q: I want to package and sell herb seasoning blends for chicken and beef from my home. Where can I find more information?
A: Please contact the Cottage Food Section of the Food Safety Division at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) website at http://agr.georgia.gov/cottage-foods.aspx or via telephone at 404-656-3627.
A cottage food license allows licensees to produce non-potentially hazardous foods in their home kitchens for sale to consumers. These foods include: loaf breads, rolls and biscuits; cakes; pastries and cookies; candies and confections; fruit pies; jams, jellies and preserves; dried fruits; dry herbs, seasonings and mixtures; cereals, trail mixes and granola; coated or uncoated nuts; vinegar and flavored vinegar; popcorn, popcorn balls and cotton candy.