How To Dry And Use Stevia - Pt. 2

This is my method of drying and using Stevia. Its the method that i use and it works for me, so it should work for you.

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[ZStudi]

My stevia leaves are spread out and isn't as thick as your plant (it's only about 6 months old). Am I doing something wrong? This was my first time harvesting it and it is only for indoors. Any suggestions on how to get it to grow fuller?

[ZachTato]

@ZStudi Well obviously growing it outside will result in a much more healthier bushier plant. But i also recommend cutting the first 2 inches or so off a branch once it starts growing flowers. By doing so you force the plant to use its energy to make new leaves and branches and not wasting its energy growing flowers. And of course, make sure it gets plenty of sun.

[ZStudi]

@ZachTato

:D Thank you for your input. I can't go outside during the day because I am partially allergic to the sun. I get a rash and burn within 5 minutes which makes outdoor gardening difficult. We have NW facing windows so my plants get the high noon sun and it's through a window so I guess it would be amplified to some degree. Lately though, my Stevia was getting brown spots on it's leaves. I pulled a curtain in front of it and it looks better. Was it getting sun burned to?

[ZachTato]

@ZStudi no problem! and its awesome to hear that your still doing what ya love no matter what gets in your way. The brown spots on your leaves may mean it caught some sort of disease from pests or fungus of some sort. If pests are the problem, i recommend puting a small amount of antibacterial hand soap in a spray bottle and mix it up with water and give your plant a good spray down. This usually gets rid of the pests pretty easily, and has worked for me many times in the past.

[ZStudi]

@ZachTato I have heard of using Safersoap for that but I haven't been able to find any in my immediate area. I did use the water/soap for my fruit trees but it ended killing a lot of my fruits to (and I only used 1 drop soap to 1 qt water). I have fungus gnats that have been a battle to get rid of and are driving me crazy. Any suggestions for that? I used sand in the top of my plants and they left for a while but came back.

[ZachTato]

@ZStudi You gotta make sure you use very mild soap and not dishwashing soap or anything strong like that. But im sure you can find some plant safe (preferably organic) insect killer at your local home depot if the whole soap idea doesnt work

[GailChasin]

Stevia in the store is white and a very fine powder. What other way besides tea bags can I use to be able to put it in my coffee?

[ZachTato]

@Lenering you can buy empty tea bags on internet sites and stuff. What i personally do is just empty out tea bags and replace the tea leaves with stevia.

[Lenering]

How can I put stevia in a tea bag?