INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Make a small hole about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) around the area where your irises are growing. Dig until you reach the bulb, then set your spade aside to continue uncovering the bulb with your hands.  The bulb might have roots growing from it. In that case, be very careful and try to keep as many roots intact as possible while you’re removing it from the ground. Always wear gloves when handling bulbs to avoid possible irritation of the skin. Remove as much soil as possible from the bulb and its roots, being careful not to damage the bulb or its roots. You can use a bag to transport the bulbs, but be sure to carry them very carefully and avoid dropping or jarring the bag. Irises are particularly susceptible to pests that bore holes into the bulbs. Check the underneath of every bulb for holes and other signs of disease such as rotting or visible infestation.  If the bulb is damaged during its removal, discard of it. Damaged bulbs will likely not last in storage and can begin to rot in the container, potentially damaging the rest of your bulbs. If your bulbs have leaves that are still intact, very carefully trim them all to length without damaging the bulbs. This will prevent drying or rotting of the leaves and allow the bulbs to conserve energy while in storage. If your bulbs don’t have any leaves when you dig them up, you can skip this step in the process. The bulbs need to be completely dry to the touch before curing. Placing them in the sun will allow them to dry out without damaging the delicate bulbs. If it isn’t sunny on the days that you’re storing the bulbs, place them inside near a window. It can take 3-4 days for the bulbs to completely dry indoors.

SUMMARY: Dig up the bulbs carefully using a spade. Brush off excess soil with your hand or a scrub brush. Inspect each bulb for damage or disease. Trim the leaves to 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) using pruning shears. Place the bulbs in the sun for 1-2 days to dry.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Teenagers experience huge hormonal shifts; acute stress in their interpersonal lives due to budding romances, friendship turmoil, and bullying; and a growing sense of independence. Unfortunately, they still lack emotional maturity and their brains are still developing to understand long term consequences of their behaviors. These factors make a volatile environment for many parents of teens, who struggle with their children's stubborn and rebellious attitudes on a regular basis. Puberty is a process lasting several years, not a one-off experience, and it usually starts between the ages of 10 and 14 for girls and 12 and 16 for boys.  During that time, changes in behavior are typical for both genders. Just like toddlers and children, teenagers thrive in an environment with clear expectations and boundaries for their behavior. While many teens will test the limits, they crave consistency on your part. Create and enforce family rules with clear consequences.  Let your teen give input on the rules and consequences, and put them in writing. This helps your teen to feel like you take his opinions seriously and that he has some personal investment in behaving well. For example, if your child runs up his cell-phone bill by using too much data, the consequence might be that he has to pay the bill or that he loses his cell phone for the following week. Be consistent, but be willing to make adjustments as necessary. If your set of rules and consequences is not working for the family, sit down with your teen and reconsider other options. Also, be willing to relax your rules on occasion if your child is responsible and respectful (for example, letting him stay out late for a special event). The teenage years can be especially trying to a parent's emotions. Volatile, emotional teenagers often do and say things to hurt those they love and get a reaction. But yelling at one another and letting your emotions get out of control is counterproductive to effective discipline.  Prepare responses ahead of time. If your teenager tends to say hurtful things during arguments, prepare your response ahead of time to prevent yourself from saying something hurtful back.  For example, you can simply say, "That was hurtful. Let's take a break and revisit this issue when we're calmer." Take a time-out if you need to. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed with your teen, tell her you need to take a break and come back to the discussion later. Be sure to follow through and sit down with her when you are more clear-headed so she knows that you will not let issues slide. If your teenager's behavior is not just stubbornness but veers into the area of self-harm or harming others, it is vital that you seek help from professionals. A psychologist can help you determine the best course of action for a self-destructive or otherwise troubled teen, who may be experiencing early symptoms of mental illness or depression.

SUMMARY: Understand puberty. Set clear boundaries and consequences. Take a break. Get help for destructive behavior.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Vanilla beans are produced in many different countries, and there are several dozen varieties to choose from. They each have a different flavor profile.  Bourbon vanilla beans are fruity, with hints of figs and persimmon.  Madagascar vanilla beans are full-bodied, with a hint of tobacco. They have a higher vanilla content than other beans, making them a flavorful choice.  Mexican vanilla beans are smooth and creamy. Tahitian vanilla beans have a floral scent. Indian vanilla beans are dark and oily with hints of cinnamon and other spices. Buy whole vanilla beans from gourmet food stores. You can also buy them online if you want a bigger selection to choose from.  The vanilla beans you buy should be dark and moist with oils. They should feel dense when you pinch them with your fingers, and they should emit a strong vanilla smell. Don't use vanilla beans that are light in color, dry or crumbly. If you're unsure whether one is still usable, wrap it around your finger. If it bends easily and stays together, it's fine to use. If it falls apart, don't use it to make extract.

SUMMARY:
Research varieties of vanilla beans. Buy vanilla beans.