Plants and humans have a long mutual understanding relationship since the beginning of this civilization. Mother Nature has provided us a diverse range of flora that caters to our various requirements of nourishment, clothing, commercially important products, oilseeds and other such things for the growth of mankind.
Not just that, there are other plants that are known to bring good luck, positive vibes, improved health and a host of other such benefits. These good luck plants need to be a part of every home due to their significance and importance. You need to grow these auspicious plants and also send good luck plant to other people. Check out these five best good luck plants that can help in transforming your home environment completely.
The Lucky bamboo plant:
It is one of the most importantly good luck plants that has a great significance in Chinese tradition. This lucky bamboo plant is a part of Feng Shui and is quickly adopted by the people in modern times. This good luck plant helps in keeping the family together and is an effective home décor item. If you are unable to find this lucky bamboo plant in your local nursery, you can easily buy good luck plants online through various stores.
The Four Leaf Clover plant:
This good luck plant is a native of the USA and consists of four miraculous leaves. The plant is a mutant variety of the normal clover plant that is found at rare places. The four-leaf clover is said to bring good luck or fortune and this sentiment is based on a 17th-century belief. According to the ancient belief, finding a four-leaf clover is said to bring a good thing for the person.
Tulsi is one of the good luck plants that can be widely seen in numerous homes of Hindu families. It is considered as the wife of “Lord Krishna” and is meant as very sacred or pure. This good luck plant is said to possess magical medicinal properties and removes the negative energy from the homes. The significance of the basil plant is also mentioned in the religions like Islam and Christianity which considers it as a “divine plant”. You can even send good luck plant of basil to your close friends and relatives as an ideal gift.
The Snake plant:
This good luck plant is believed to absorb certain poisonous gases from the internal air of our home. Snake plant releases a large amount of water vapor and helps in maintaining the humidity in our surroundings. If you are thinking about how to get this plant, here is the solution for you. You can easily buy this plant from an online good luck plants store without any need to step outside.
The Money plant:
Money plant is an important member of the good luck plant family. It can be easily grown in a jug of water and are seen as creepers in various homes. You need to point the shoot of this money plant in the upward direction in order to bring wealth and good luck to your home.
So, visit your nearest plant nursery or buy good luck plants online from a store to enhance the internal appeal and aura of your homes. Involve these good luck plants as a home décor item and experience their multiple benefits yourself.
I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.
Gardening is a delightful hobby that requires patience and perseverance. Everyone can make mistakes while planting, whether you're a seasoned grower or a novice.
However, with careful planning, you can avoid these common errors. As the spring season approaches, now is the perfect time to start planning your garden and prepare for planting.
Gardening is not only a fun pastime. It also rewards you with fresh, homegrown produce and a fragrant outdoor space to enjoy your meals. Therefore, find a neighborhood nursery, get your favorite plants, and start an amazing journey amidst nature!
While knowing when and how to begin your gardening journey might be challenging, the outcome is worth the effort.
In this article, we shall help you with some major tips to help you on this green journey. Keep reading!
Gardening Tips For Beginners
A relaxing hobby can help you cope better with the stress and disappointments in life; gardening is the best solution. Therefore, gardening can be one of the best ways to channel your time in a positive direction.
When you plant a sapling and watch it grow over time, it helps you connect with the innocent joys of life. It stimulates the nurturing nature within you. Therefore, gardening helps you heal mentally and enhance your well-being.
Given below are some of the most important tips that you will need to follow at the beginning of your gardening endeavors—
1. Select The Right Spot
To get your vegetable garden off to a good start, selecting the perfect area is crucial.
This spot must receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day. Insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and reduced crop yields.
When choosing your garden location, take note of areas that receive the most sunlight. Next, you must try to situate your garden bed near a water source.
Therefore, your plants can easily access the necessary nutrients for healthy development.
By considering these factors, you'll be on your way to a successful and thriving garden.
2. Choose The Right Plants
It is often difficult for beginners to understand what plants are right for their garden. There are several factors that affect the type of plant you must consider—
Weather conditions: To choose the right plants for your garden, consider factors like temperature, humidity, and sunlight at your place. Moreover, the weather conditions also affect the soil type and maintenance requirements.
Water availability: When selecting plants for your garden, it's important to consider their water requirements. Moreover, your garden’s drainage ability can also affect the growth of plants.
Attention and care requirements: Consider attention and care requirements when choosing plants for your garden. Some plants need more maintenance than others.
Therefore, assess the time and effort you are willing to invest and choose accordingly. Knowing the specific care needs of different plants will help them thrive in your garden.
Start with low-maintenance succulents and cacti if you're new to gardening. These plants need little attention and help you get hooked on the hobby.
These plants store water in their leaves or stems. Therefore, they are perfect for those who regularly forget to water their plants.
Succulents come in different shapes and sizes, while cacti range from small, round shapes to tall, columnar forms.
3. Choose Between Seeds And Saplings
When starting your gardening journey, you must choose seeds or saplings.
Seeds are the most cost-effective option and offer a wider variety of plant choices. However, they require more time and effort to grow. Moreover, seeds will need proper conditions for germination and nurturing.
On the other hand, saplings are pre-grown plants that can be directly planted into your garden.
Saplings are more expensive than seeds. However, they save you time and effort as they are already established and have a higher chance of success.
Therefore, the choice between seeds and saplings depends on your personal preferences, budget, and level of gardening experience.
Related: How To Arrive At The Perfect Choice Of A Potting Bench For Your Gardening
4. Know How To Make Your Soil More Fertile
It is important to enhance the structure of your soil and improve its drainage and moisture-holding capacity.
Therefore, you can improve the health of your soil by using compost, leaf mold, or well-aged manure, which is a great option.
These organic materials act as a sponge and help retain water and nutrients, ultimately benefiting plants' growth.
However, it is important to avoid using fresh manure. It can harm your plants. Moreover, fresh manure might contain harmful bacteria and pathogens. These pathogens can cause serious diseases, and their high nitrogen content may burn the plants' tender roots.
Therefore, it is recommended to compost the manure for at least 6 to 12 months before using it on your plants.
This breaks down the harmful bacteria and pathogens and also makes the nutrients in it more available to the plants.
5. Select The Right Pots
If you don't have enough space for gardening, you might want to try container gardening.
It's a fantastic way to grow a wide variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, berries, and shrubs.
However, when you opt for container gardening, you must select a pot that's big enough for your plant to grow in. Moreover, the pot should also have enough room for the roots to spread out and grow comfortably.
Also, it's highly recommended to use potting soil specifically formulated for plants grown in containers. This soil type has all the nutrients and drainage that potted plants require to thrive.
Additionally, it helps prevent problems such as over and under-watering, which can be common when gardening in containers.
By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of a thriving container garden, even if you have limited space for traditional gardening.
Happy Gardening!
As you look ahead to the future, don't forget to plan for moments of relaxation and enjoyment in your garden.
Picture yourself sitting in a cozy seating area, surrounded by lush borders and colorful blooms. Imagine the laughter and conversations you'll share with friends and family over a meal or a cup of tea.
Anticipate the joy of watching birds flock to your feeder and delight in their playful antics. Therefore, with a little planning and effort, your garden will become a haven of beauty and tranquility for the future.
Read Also:
Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality?
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Basil is one of the most popular and versatile herbs you can grow in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, from salads and soups to pizzas and pastas. Basil is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like cilantro. It can benefit your health and well-being. But how do you harvest basil properly so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves?
If these are some of the things you want to know, I have you covered! In this article, I will answer all these questions and more and give you everything you need to know about harvesting basil! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Harvest Basil Leaves?
The first thing you need to know about harvesting basil is when to do it. The best time to harvest basil leaves is in the morning when the plant is still fresh and moist. Avoid harvesting basil in the afternoon or evening when the plant is dry and wilted. Also, avoid harvesting basil when it is raining or wet, as this can cause the leaves to rot or mold.
Steps to Harvest Basil Leaves
To harvest basil leaves, you will need a pair of scissors or a sharp knife and a basket or a bowl to collect the leaves. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves, but be careful not to damage the stem or the plant. Here are the steps to follow:
Start from the top of the plant, and look for the stems with leaf clusters. These are called the terminal buds, and they are where the basil flowers will grow. You want to remove these buds, as they will make the plant stop producing new leaves and focus on flowering and seeding. This will reduce the flavor and quality of the basil leaves.
Cut or pinch off the stem just below the terminal bud, leaving about a quarter of an inch of stem above the next pair of leaves. This will encourage the plant to grow two new stems from the leaf nodes and produce more leaves. You can also cut or pinch off any other stems that are too long or leggy and leave about four to six pairs of leaves on each stem.
Repeat this process for all the stems that have terminal buds, and collect the leaves in your basket or bowl. You can also harvest some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. You should not harvest more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant and reduce its growth and health.
After harvesting, rinse the leaves with water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can use them fresh or store them for later use.
How to Harvest Basil So It Keeps Growing
One of the benefits of harvesting basil is that it stimulates the plant to grow more leaves and branches and prevents it from flowering and seeding.
However, you need to harvest basil regularly and correctly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves.
Here are some tips to follow. For instance, you must harvest basil:
At least once every two weeks, or more often if you see the terminal buds forming. This will keep the plant bushy and compact and prevent it from becoming woody and bitter.
From different parts of the plant, and not always from the same spot. This will ensure that the plant grows evenly and does not become lopsided or uneven.
Before it flowers. This is because the flowers will reduce the flavor and quality of the leaves. If you see any flowers forming, remove them as soon as possible. You can also pinch off the flowers and use them as edible garnishes or decorations, as they have a mild and sweet flavor.
Before the frost, as the cold weather will kill the plant. You can either harvest the whole plant and store it for later use, or bring it indoors and keep it in a sunny and warm spot. You can also propagate the plant by taking cuttings and rooting them in water or soil and grow new plants for the next season.
How to Harvest Basil Without Killing The Plant?
Harvesting basil is different from harvesting lettuce or other plants. The process is good for the plant and you, as you can enjoy the fresh and aromatic leaves in your dishes.
However, you need to be careful not to harvest too much or too often, as this can harm and kill the plant.
Here are some dos and don'ts of harvesting basil without killing it:
Do harvest basil from the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure.
Don't harvest basil from the main stem or cut it too close to the ground. This will damage the plant and prevent it from growing new stems and leaves. Leave at least four to six pairs of leaves on each stem and about an inch of stem above the ground.
Do harvest basil gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and make clean and smooth cuts. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves but be gentle and precise.
Don't harvest basil when it is stressed or unhealthy, such as when it is wilting, yellowing, or diseased. This will weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to further damage. Wait until the plant recovers and looks healthy and green before harvesting. You can also water and fertilize the plant to help it grow and thrive.
Do harvest basil when it is young and tender, not old and tough. This will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Harvest basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown.
How to Pick Basil Leaves?
Picking basil leaves is another way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can pick basil leaves with your fingers or with a pair of tweezers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to pick basil leaves. For instance, you can pick it:
From the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure.
From the stems that have terminal buds, not from those that have none. This will prevent the plant from flowering and seeding and producing more leaves. You can also pick some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow.
Gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use your fingers to pinch off the leaves or a pair of tweezers to pluck them off. Be gentle and precise, and do not pull or tug on the leaves or the stems.
When they are young and tender and not when they are old and tough, this will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Pick basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown.
How to Store Basil Leaves?
Storing basil leaves is a great way to preserve and enjoy them for later use. You can store basil leaves in different ways, depending on how long you want to keep them and how you want to use them. Here are some of the best ways to store basil leaves:
Refrigerate Them
You can refrigerate basil leaves for up to a week, by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This will keep them moist and fresh, and prevent them from wilting or drying out. However, you should not wash them.
Freeze Them
You can freeze basil leaves for up to six months, by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds, and then plunging them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This will preserve their color and flavor, and prevent them from browning or oxidizing. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel, and place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. You can also chop them and mix them with some olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays. This will make it easier to use them in soups, sauces, or dressings.
Dry Them
You can dry basil leaves for up to a year, by hanging them upside down in a warm and dry place, such as a closet or a pantry. This will dehydrate them and concentrate their flavor, and make them last longer. However, you should avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as this can bleach them and reduce their quality. You can also dry them in an oven or a microwave, but be careful not to burn them or overcook them. Once they are dry, you can store them in a glass jar or a spice container, and crush them or grind them before using them.
Make Pesto
You can make pesto with basil leaves, by blending them with some garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This will create a delicious and versatile sauce that you can use for pasta, sandwiches, salads, or dips. You can store pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also customize pesto by adding other herbs, nuts, cheeses, or spices, according to your taste and preference.
How to Cut Basil?
Cutting basil is a simple and easy way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can cut basil with scissors, a knife, or your fingers, depending on your preference and convenience.
Here are some tips on how to cut basil:
Wash and dry the basil leaves before cutting them to remove any dirt or insects. You can rinse them under running water or soak them in a water bowl with a few drops of vinegar. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel or spin them in a salad spinner.
Cut the basil leaves just before using them, to preserve their flavor and aroma. If you cut them too early, they will lose their freshness and wilt. You can also bruise or damage the leaves if you cut them too roughly or with a dull tool.
Cut the basil leaves according to the size and shape that you need for your recipe. You can either leave them whole or chop them finely or coarsely. You can also cut them into ribbons or strips, by stacking several leaves together, rolling them up, and slicing them thinly. This is called the chiffonade technique, and it creates a beautiful and elegant garnish.
Cut the basil leaves with a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and not with a blender or a food processor. This will avoid bruising or crushing the leaves and releasing their oils and juices. You can also use your fingers to tear or pinch off the leaves but be gentle and careful.
How to Use Basil Leaves?
Using basil leaves is a fun and easy way to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. You can use basil leaves in different ways, depending on your mood and occasion. Here are some of the best ways to use basil leaves:
Fresh
You can use fresh basil leaves to garnish and enhance your dishes, such as salads, soups, pizzas, and pastas. Also you can use fresh basil leaves to make salads, such as caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, or Greek salad with cucumbers, feta cheese, and basil. You can also use fresh basil leaves to make drinks, such as lemonade, tea, or cocktails, with basil, lemon, sugar, and water.
Cooked
You can use cooked basil leaves to flavor and season your dishes, such as sauces, stews, curries, and casseroles. Also you can use cooked basil leaves to make dishes, such as tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and onion, or chicken with basil, cream, and mushrooms. You can also use cooked basil leaves to make breads, such as focaccia with basil, olive oil, and salt, or muffins with basil, cheese, and eggs.
Preserved
You can use preserved basil leaves to store and enjoy them for later use, such as freezing, drying, or making pesto. Also you can use preserved basil leaves to make dishes, such as pesto pasta with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, or roasted vegetables with basil, olive oil, and salt. You can also use preserved basil leaves to make snacks, such as crackers with basil, cheese, and honey, or popcorn with basil, butter, and salt.
Wrapping It Up!
Basil is a wonderful herb that you can grow and harvest in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, and a rich and nutritious profile that can benefit your health and well-being. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can learn how to harvest basil properly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves, how to cut basil, pick basil leaves, and store them for later use, and how to use basil leaves in different and delicious ways.
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Exploring Ideas For A Biophilic Home Design
When you are renovating your home or building a new one, it’s easy to visualize the big details, like the color of the roof and the walls. Something you may not necessarily be thinking of immediately is the color of your window frames, and yet this is such an important color to consider. It may help to think of them as something similar to the frame on a painting — it adds a finishing touch to the artwork, or in this case, the house. If you are not sure how to choose a color, here are some tips that may help you in your choice.
Choose a color palette: It helps to include the color of your window frames in the complete color palette you choose for your home. If the amount of color choices is overwhelming, keep it simple by choosing either a warm or a cool palette.
Pick a color that highlights or hides: If you are repainting your home, you can highlight your beautiful window frames by painting them a color that makes them stand out. Conversely, if they are ugly as sin, paint them a boring white, or any color that makes them blend in with the walls.
Select a color that complements your home’s exterior: Your walls should have a big say in what color you paint your window frames. If you have exposed brick walls, you should choose a bright contrasting color, and avoid warm browns and dark colors. For painted wood siding, it could work well to pick a darker accent color that complements the rest of the color palette of your home.
Read More : Essential Things To Consider Before Hiring A Window Tinting Expert
Consider neutral colors: Neutral colors are trendy again. The current variety is a far cry from boring beige, so you don’t have to fear to have a sterile hospital look. The new generation of beiges and grays are soulful and colorful, and they will prove to be timeless at the same time. No need to be embarrassed about bright lime or electric pink, or any such garish eyesores in a few years from now.
Choose a color that fits the style of your home: It is very important to choose a color that is appropriate to the style of your house. Certain colors go well with certain types of architecture. A red brick building already imposes a limit on the color palette due to the characteristic hue of the walls. A historic manor would benefit from modest colors that fit in with the time period in which the house was built. If the architecture is more modern, choose colors that enhance that particular style. But if it’s just your typical family home without any noteworthy architectural provenance, you are free to choose colors that match your personality and sense of style. It should be something that you like, and feel comfortable looking at every day.
Read More : Before You Forget : Things You Need To Consider Before Windows Replacement
Use bold colors wisely: For most people who doubt their stylishness, it would be best to stick to neutral colors. But if you are brave and daring, and you are sure you can pull it off, bold colors can add an unexpected twist to your decor.
Apex Window Werks is home and Commercial Window Repair Company with the headquarters in Chicago, IL. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced contractor to get the fog out of your windows, replace broken glass or repair rotten wood window frames, then AWW is your expedient choice. Feel free to give them a call to leave a message.
