There is nothing that makes a kitchen feel more alive than a vase of fresh flowers on the counter. I cut from my garden all summer long — zinnias, dahlias, sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, whatever is blooming — and I've learned a few tricks over the years that make them last significantly longer.

Cut at the Right Time

If you're cutting from your own garden, timing matters. Cut flowers in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and the stems are full of water. Avoid cutting in the heat of the afternoon — the flowers will be stressed and won't last as long.

Use a Sharp, Clean Blade

Always use a sharp blade to cut flower stems. A dull blade crushes the stem tissue and reduces water uptake. Clean your cutting tool with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent spreading disease. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle rather than straight across — this increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase.

Remove Leaves Below the Waterline

Any leaves submerged in water will rot quickly and introduce bacteria that shortens the life of all your flowers. Strip all leaves from the lower portion of each stem before placing in the vase.

Use Clean Water and a Clean Vase

Bacteria is the enemy of cut flowers. Always start with a clean vase (wash with hot soapy water and rinse well) and fresh, cool water. Change the water every two days and re-cut the stems each time.

The Flower Food Trick

Those little packets of flower food that come with store-bought flowers actually work. If you don't have a packet, make your own: 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice, ½ teaspoon bleach, and 1 quart water. Other household helpers: a copper penny in the vase acts as a natural fungicide, a splash of vodka inhibits bacterial growth, and an aspirin dissolved in the water helps acidify it.

Keep Flowers Away from Heat and Fruit

Place your vase away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and ripening fruit. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which causes flowers to age faster. If you want to extend the life of your flowers significantly, put them in the refrigerator overnight — it dramatically slows the aging process. With a little care, a vase of garden flowers can last a week or more.