Dear Heloise: I use an easy way to core a head of lettuce. Never mind using a knife because this is safer and less likely to cut your fingers. Hold the head of lettuce in both hands with the stem at the bottom facing downward.  Then give the stem two or three firm taps on the counter. Don’t be afraid to bring that head of lettuce down hard. Then turn it over and pull out the core with your hand. Wash the lettuce leaves and drain well. — Wendy T., Phoenix

CELERY CARE

Dear Heloise: My celery seems to wilt quickly after it’s bought and brought home. What am I doing wrong? — Frances F., Ponca City, Oklahoma

Frances, to keep celery fresh, store it unwashed in a plastic bag inside the refrigerator. Or you can stand the stalks upright in about 2-3 inches of water in the refrigerator.

When buying celery, look for a bunch that has no yellow or brown spots on it. Celery should be bright green, crisp and full of moisture. — Heloise

MUSHROOM ­PROBLEMS

Dear Heloise: I buy mushrooms, but in only one day, they seem slimy and yucky. I’m newly married and just learning how to cook, but I know mushrooms aren’t supposed be so disgusting. What should I do to keep them fresher for longer periods? — Olivia M., Danville, Kentucky

Olivia, here are some hints to help you with your mushroom problem:

— Refrigerate your mushrooms as soon as you get home.

— Store them in a paper bag and keep them dry. This way, they’ll last up to five days.

— Do not store them in airtight plastic bags. They get “mushy.”

— Do not clean them until it’s time to cook them or eat them raw. Clean them with a damp cloth, but do not soak them in a bowl of water or run them under the tap.

— They absorb water very easily, so use as little water as possible when cleaning them. — Heloise

FREEZING ONIONS

Dear Heloise: When we have hot dogs or hamburgers, I always chop up a huge mound of onions. Needless to say, I have a lot of onions leftover. I found that you can freeze onions by placing them in a freezer bag and putting them in the freezer. Then when you need chopped onions for things like chili, stews or soups, all you have to do is empty the freezer bag into the pot. It saves time and tears, and we can avoid throwing out usable food. — Lucinda D., Concord, New Hampshire

COFFEE GROUND ­FERTILIZER

Dear Heloise: Years ago, you recommended using coffee grounds as fertilizer, and at first, I thought it was a strange idea. Well, I’ve changed my tune! I put coffee grounds in my flower beds and now have some of the most beautiful geraniums, marigolds, petunias and dusty millers you’ve ever seen. I feel as though I’ve stumbled onto a secret that makes my garden beautiful! Thank you, Heloise! — Erin S., Troy, Michigan

NO-CREASE TABLECLOTHS

Dear Heloise: I hate having folded creases on my tablecloths, so I found a way to avoid this problem. After I iron a large tablecloth, I fold it over lengthwise two times. Then I take the two ends and clip them together using a skirt hanger. Afterward, I just hang the tablecloth in a closet until I use it again. — R.M., in Michigan

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.