Published on: 21 February 2017
Last Updated on: 17 August 2019
People with a closed space mentality can rarely be seen in today’s world. They are always after making room for more space whether it be a kitchen, or a living room, bedroom or a bathroom. With the passage of time, you tend to buy furniture and other essentials every now and then but unfortunately, there isn’t enough space in your house. So, how can you achieve the balance? Firstly, by recycling, reusing, upcycling and also purchasing fewer things can help in maintaining the balance. Secondly, you can make room for your stuff by getting rid of unwanted things.
Of all the rooms, you wish to own a bedroom that echoes ultimate relaxation and enough space. Are you desperately searching for some space offering ideas for your bedroom? Do not worry as this post is all about that. Below are some tips that after incorporating can help in converting a basic bedroom into a functional and spacious one.
1. Adding Sliding Doors
For more storage, you need more wardrobes and for that, you need more space. Well, No! Space is not an issue now as fitted wardrobes along with sliding doors have come into the picture. These wardrobes are an only option to give you most out of your space. When your room possesses huge wardrobes, doors other than with sliding feature doesn’t make any sense. They make a lot of sense as sliding doors saves enough living space and on the other hand, looks extremely elegant.
2. Hidden Compact Study Space
Many people are not able to afford big houses where study room is designed separately. In those cases, study room requirements can easily be constructed in the bedroom itself. These super-compact desks are basically a wall-mounted box that transforms into a desk that folds. A light and easy to move chair augment your study setup making it minimal.
3. Multifunctional Conceptual Furniture
One furniture playing a role for another one is the trend going nowadays. Suppose you are in the need for a sitting area in your bedroom but also wish to have a couch where you can lie down and read books. Being smaller in size, you can’t accommodate everything you wish for in this kind of room.
Look for multifunctional furniture when you have a shortage of space in your bedroom. Not only that, even if you have bigger rooms, incorporate furniture that serves more than one purpose.
4. Perceptions are Everything
Did you ever think of adding big mirrors in your bedroom? If you never did, you should as they play an important role in giving more space to your bedroom. Mirrors can create an illusion of spaciousness when there is not much space in reality. Now, you do not have to make your entire room a mirror market. Instead of adding mirrors everywhere, pick one wall and cover it with a big mirror. You will be surprised to see that, instantly, space gets doubled or “it seems” doubled!
Another way to create more space in your bedroom is to go for a mono color theme which is highly effective. You can choose any color for this theme but white has been and still a top choice. To add class to your bedroom, white walls, white curtains, white floors, and white upholstery – all add up to lend space to your room.
A bedroom needs to be a place where you can lie down and get ultimate relaxation. Getting more space in a room is every house owner’s dream. Pick a few ideas, rearrange your furniture and make minute changes to get a spacious bedroom. For more innovative bedroom design ideas, consult the experts who study interiors deeply.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
Solid hardwood flooring is known for imparting an impressive look. Customers tend to prefer hardwood flooring since decades because it gives not only a unique but a classic look to the room. Hardwoods are usually used for construction purposes such as boat, furniture, flooring, and instrument construction. The hardwood variety is usually obtained from oak, maple, cherry, hickory or pecan trees. Thus, the hardwood timber flooring is known for imparting a sense of beauty to the room and also displays the sign of high status.
Styles of Hardwood flooring
The most popular hardwood flooring includes
Solid hardwood flooring
Engineered wood flooring
Long strip engineered wood floors
Each type of hardwood flooring is different from the others in regards to the advantages, durability, look and pattern. The solid hardwood adds charm, cordiality and value to the room, while the engineered hardwood flooring does not shrink easily and is more durable. The long strip engineered wood floors are known for their unique features, they are designed for the floating installation. The hardwood timber flooring is a magnificent product that can last for generations. However, proper care and regular maintenance are the two most important things that need to be considered when talking about timber flooring.
How to increase the performance of the hardwood timber flooring?
Refrain from using hot water as it may cause serious damage to the floor.
Use a damp mop by wringing out the extra moisture as this can hamper the flooring and wet patches can develop on the floor surface.
Always mop in the direction of the wood grain to remove the entrenched dust more swiftly.
Refrain from using harsh chemicals, detergents or floor cleanser; instead, look for cleansers that are mild and are meant for this type of flooring to remove stains.
Use gentle nonscratch microfiber mops for cleaning the hardwood timber flooring.
Sweep the floor regularly with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum cleaner.
Some more facts about hardwood timber flooring
The furniture and the other appliances should be placed after 48 hours from the last coat of varnish on the hardwood timber flooring.
The furniture and the other appliances should have protective pads to prevent marks on the floor.
The rugs or the carpet can be placed at least after 2 weeks from the last coat of varnish on the hardwood timber flooring.
Guard the floor against direct sunlight by using window curtains or by using rugs and carpets. This prevents the hardwood timber flooring from getting discolored.
Maintain a normal temperature to prevent gaps and cupping.
Ensure that no one uses pencil heel shoes or sharp-pointed heel shoes on the floor as it may create a dent on the floor surface.
Trim the nails of the pets in the house to prevent scratches on the hardwood timber flooring.
[caption id="attachment_627" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Hardwood Timber Flooring[/caption]
Advantages of hardwood timber flooring
Selecting a good quality hardwood timber flooring can last for several years in fact through generations. The hardwood timber flooring is easier to clean and is highly cost-effective.
The hardwood timber flooring increases the resale value of the home.
Good quality hardwood timber flooring keeps the room warm and cozy and is more hygienic compared to other flooring materials.
How to choose hardwood timber flooring?
When choosing the hardwood timber flooring for your home,
Check the color and pattern to match the décor of the room.
Check the timber wood based on select, standard and feature grade.
Check for the coating that can be used based on oil or satin finish.
Thus, the hardwood timber flooring is ideal for imparting a classic look to the room.
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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.
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If you are a gardener like me, you must have thought about harvesting greens that you eat at restaurants at your house. One of these days, I was with my friends from my university, and we were discussing the importance of eating veggies for staying healthy. And they could not figure out the best ways to effectively do so. Reading my previous blog about cilantro, Laila asked me, “how to grow and harvest asparagus?”
Well, surely asparagus is one of the most delicious and nutritious vegetables you can grow in your garden. But what a lot of people do not know is that it's also one of the easiest once you know how to harvest asparagus properly.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about harvesting asparagus, from when to start, how to cut, and how often to do it. Additionally, I will also share some tips on how to store and freeze asparagus, as well as the benefits of eating this green wonder.
So, keep on reading till the end to learn more...
How Does Asparagus Grow?
Before I dive into the seemingly difficult process of how to harvest asparagus, let me help you grow it.
Asparagus is a perennial plant that grows from a crown of roots that can live for up to 20 years. The crown produces spears, which are the edible part of the plant, every spring.
The spears grow rapidly, sometimes up to an inch per day, and can reach a height of 6 to 10 inches. The spears are harvested before they open into fern-like leaves, which are edible and tough.
Asparagus grows best in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers full sun and moderate temperatures and needs regular watering and fertilizing.
Asparagus can be grown from seeds or crowns, but crowns are easier and faster to establish. Crowns are planted in trenches about 12 to 18 inches apart and covered with 2 to 3 inches of soil. As the spears emerge, more soil is added until the trench is filled
Benefits of Asparagus
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Asparagus is not only tasty, but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like spinach. It can help lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, support digestion, and prevent urinary tract infections.
Asparagus also contains a compound called asparagine, which is a natural diuretic that helps flush out excess fluids and salts from the body. Asparagus is also a good source of folate, which is essential for pregnant women and fetal development
When to Harvest Asparagus?
The first year after planting, you should not harvest any asparagus spears, as they need to grow and strengthen the root system.
The second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks.
The third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants.
The best time to harvest asparagus is in the early morning when the spears are crisp and tender. You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall, and before the tips start to open up. If you wait too long, the spears will become woody and bitter.
How to Plant and Care for Asparagus?
Asparagus is a long-term investment that can reward you with years of delicious harvests. However, it requires some planning and preparation before planting.
Here are some steps to follow to plant and care for asparagus:
Choose the Day
Choose a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden, preferably with sandy or loamy soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool or where weeds are hard to control. Asparagus also needs plenty of space, so make sure you have at least 4 to 5 feet between rows and 12 to 18 inches between plants.
Prepare the Soil
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, and adjusting the pH to 6.5 to 7.5. You can use a soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. You may also need to add some fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 10-20-10, to boost the phosphorus and potassium content.
Dig it Deep
Dig a trench about 8 to 12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. You can make the trench longer or shorter depending on how many asparagus crowns you have. Asparagus crowns are the dormant roots of the plant that you can buy from nurseries or online. They usually have one-year-old or two-year-old crowns, which are more reliable and productive than seeds.
Fertilize
Spread some fertilizer along the bottom of the trench, about 2 pounds per 100 square feet. Then, cover the fertilizer with 2 to 3 inches of soil, forming a ridge in the center of the trench.
Placing the Plant
Place the asparagus crowns on top of the ridge, about 12 to 18 inches apart, with the buds facing up. The crowns should be slightly below the soil surface, about 1 to 2 inches deep. Do not bury them too deep, as this will delay the emergence of the spears.
Focus on the Crown
Cover the crowns with another 2 to 3 inches of soil, and water well. As the spears grow, gradually fill in the trench with more soil, until it is level with the ground. This will help protect the crowns from frost and weeds.
Add Mulch
Mulch the bed with straw, leaves, or wood chips, to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. You can also add some organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, every few weeks during the growing season, to encourage healthy growth.
Keep in Mind
Do not harvest any asparagus spears in the first year, as they need to establish a strong root system. In the second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks. In the third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants.
How to Harvest Asparagus?
Now, coming to the most important part that you wanted to know about. Let us talk about the ways to harvest asparagus!
To harvest asparagus, you need a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. You should cut the spears at the base, about an inch below the soil surface.
Be careful not to damage the crown or the emerging spears. You should also avoid cutting too many spears from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one-third of the spears on each plant.
You should harvest asparagus every day or every other day, depending on how fast the spears grow. You should stop harvesting asparagus when the spears become thinner than a pencil, as this indicates that the plant is running out of energy.
You should then let the spears grow into ferns, which will replenish the crown and prepare it for the next season.
How to Store and Freeze Asparagus?
Unlike lettuce, which you can store for more than a week, asparagus is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. If you can't eat it right away, you should store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To keep it fresh, you should trim the ends of the spears and stand them upright in a glass of water or wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag.
If you want to preserve asparagus for longer, you can freeze it. To freeze asparagus, you should first wash and trim the spears, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the thickness.
Blanching is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil.
After blanching, you should drain and cool the spears, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze asparagus for up to a year, and use it in soups, casseroles, or stir-fries.
How to Prevent and Treat Asparagus Pests and Diseases?
Asparagus is generally a hardy and resilient plant, but it can still suffer from some pests and diseases that can affect its growth and quality.
Here are some of the most common problems that affect asparagus plants, and how to prevent or treat them:
Asparagus beetles
These are small, black or red beetles that feed on the spears and the ferns, causing them to wilt and turn brown. They can also lay eggs on the spears, which hatch into larvae that chew on the stems and leaves.
To prevent asparagus beetles, you should keep the area around the plants clean and weed-free, and remove any old or damaged spears. To treat asparagus beetles, you can hand-pick them and their eggs, or spray them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fusarium wilt
This is a fungal disease that infects the roots and the crowns of the plants, causing them to rot and die. It can also cause the spears to become yellow, twisted, and stunted. Fusarium wilt is more likely to occur in poorly drained, acidic, or infested soil.
To prevent fusarium wilt, you should plant disease-resistant varieties, rotate crops, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat fusarium wilt, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and apply fungicides to the soil.
Rust
This is another fungal disease that affects the ferns, causing them to develop orange or brown spots and pustules. Rust can reduce the vigor and yield of the plants, and make them more susceptible to other diseases. Rust is more likely to occur in humid, wet, or shady conditions.
To prevent rust, you should plant resistant varieties, space the plants well, and prune any excess or infected ferns. To treat rust, you should apply fungicides to the ferns, and avoid watering them from above.
Crown rot
This is a bacterial disease that causes the crowns and the bases of the spears to become soft, mushy, and foul-smelling. Crown rot can spread quickly and kill the plants. Crown rot is more likely to occur in wet, compacted, or poorly drained soil.
To prevent crown rot, you should plant healthy crowns, improve the drainage and aeration of the soil, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat crown rot, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and disinfect the tools and the soil.
Bonus: How to Cook and Enjoy Asparagus?
There are many ways to cook and enjoy asparagus, from steaming, boiling, roasting, grilling, to sautéing. The key is not to overcook it, as it will become mushy and lose its flavor.
You should cook asparagus until it is bright green and crisp-tender, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the method and the thickness of the spears.
You can season asparagus with salt, pepper, butter, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, cheese, or any other condiments you like. You can also pair asparagus with eggs, bacon, ham, chicken, fish, pasta, rice, or salad. Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can complement any meal.
Wrapping It Up!
Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable that you can grow and harvest in your own garden. It's easy to care for, once you know how to harvest asparagus properly.
You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall and before the tips start to open up. You should cut the spears at the base and leave some on the plant to grow into ferns. It would be best to store asparagus in the refrigerator for later use.
And yes, you should also enjoy the many benefits and flavors of asparagus, by cooking it in various ways and pairing it with different dishes. Asparagus is a springtime delight that you don't want to miss.
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