Published on: 07 April 2017
Last Updated on: 09 August 2019
Traditionally, the garage is used for parking your cars. However, even though it can definitely be great for shielding your vehicles from the elements, there are plenty of other things that you can do with this part of your home as well. These are a few ideas that you can try.
One great use for your garage is to use it as a workshop. If you like woodworking, for example, your garage can provide you with the perfect space to keep your tools tidy and organized and to work on your projects. This makes it easy for you to work indoors without having to drag the mess into your actual house.
2. Create a Game Room
Has your family always wanted a game room? You don’t have to build an addition to your home to make this happen; instead, you can use your garage for this purpose instead. Your garage probably has ample space for a pool table or for other types of game tables, such as for air hockey or Foosball. You can also hang up a dartboard, install a stereo system and otherwise turn the area into a comfortable place for hanging out with family and friends.
3. Make a Play Area for Your Kids
If your kids have a lack of space for playing, you can turn your garage into a safe place for them to do so. You will probably need to take some steps first, however, to ensure that it isn’t dangerous. For example, you’ll probably want to disable the garage door so that it cannot be opened, remove any dangerous tools, and put down rubber mats to help cushion any falls. If you take these steps, however, the garage can actually make for a nice, spacious play area for your children, and it can allow you to store books and toys outdoors so that they aren’t cluttering up your home. Plus, your little ones can play to their hearts’ content, and you won’t have to worry about their messes being on display inside your home for everyone to see.
4. Store Out-of-Season and Rarely-Used Items
If you are like a lot of people, your home might be cluttered with out-of-season and rarely-used items. You might not want to get rid of these items, since you might need them later, but you probably don’t want them in the way inside your home. Luckily, your garage can be perfect for storing stuff.
For example, you can store your suitcases and other items that you only use when you travel, or you can pack up seasonal clothing like coats and sweaters and only bring them into the house when it’s seasonally appropriate to do so. Additionally, you can store holiday decorations, outdoor items and other things that you only need to use every now and then. Then, these items will be out of the way but will be easy to access when you need them.
5. Create a Craft Room
If you’re really into crafting, you might wish that you had a dedicated space for your crafts. Luckily, your garage can function perfectly for this purpose. You can set up a nice craft table that you can use for making things, and you’ll have more than enough space to stash fabric, ribbons, glue guns and anything else that you might need for crafting purposes.
As you can see, there are tons of uses that you can use your garage for rather than just using it to park your vehicles. If you’d like to maximize the space that is available for you and your family and would like to customize your home so that it properly suits your family’s needs, following these tips can help.
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Being a gardener, I know Spinach is one of the most popular and versatile leafy greens you can grow in your garden. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest spinach the right way so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest spinach, so it keeps growing. I will also explain how to harvest spinach seeds, how to store and freeze spinach, and the health benefits of spinach. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your spinach harvest. So, keep on reading till the end to learn more, and thank me later!
Driven by Benefits: Why are People Growing Spinach?
Spinach is not only tasty but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye Health
Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Spinach also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood Pressure
Spinach is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Spinach also contains folate. This helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Spinach is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Spinach also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune System
Spinach is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Spinach also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Spinach is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This improves the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also supports the immune system.
Skin And Hair
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, which are essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How To Harvest Spinach So It Keeps Growing
One of the best things about spinach is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season if you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest spinach is when the leaves are young and tender. This is usually about 40 to 50 days after planting. You can also harvest baby spinach leaves earlier, about 25 to 30 days after planting.
You should harvest spinach before it starts to bolt. This is when it produces flowers and seeds and becomes bitter and tough. Spinach usually bolts when the days get longer and warmer. So, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem, or cut individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
You should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil, to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. Moreover, you should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the spinach leaves as soon as possible after harvesting, to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. You can use a colander or a salad spinner to rinse the leaves under cold water. After this, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. Additionally, you should remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the spinach leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. We'll explain how to store and freeze spinach in the next sections.
How to Harvest Spinach Seeds?
If you want to save some spinach seeds for the next season or share them with your friends and family, you must let some spinach plants bolt and produce flowers and seeds. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach seeds:
Select the best plants to save seeds from
It would be best if you chose healthy, vigorous, and productive plants with the desired characteristics. Some of these are the flavor, size, color, and disease resistance.
Apart from these, you should also avoid saving seeds from hybrid varieties, as they will not produce true-to-type plants. You should look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, which will produce plants that are similar to the parent plants.
Isolate the plants to prevent cross-pollination
Spinach is a wind-pollinated crop, which means that it can cross-pollinate with other spinach plants or related plants, such as beets, chard, or quinoa, within a distance of up to a mile. This can result in seeds that have different traits than the parent plants. To prevent cross-pollination, you should isolate the plants you want to save seeds from, by either planting them far away from other spinach plants or related plants, or covering them with a mesh bag or a cage.
Let the plants flower and set seeds
You should let the plants bolt and produce flowers, which are small and yellow, and then wait for the seeds to form and mature. The seeds are round and black, and they are enclosed in a spiny husk. The seeds are ready to harvest when they are dry and hard, and the husks are brown and brittle, usually about four to six weeks after flowering.
Harvest and clean the seeds
You should cut the seed stalks and place them in a paper bag or a bucket, and then shake or rub them to release the seeds from the husks.
Furthermore, you should then winnow the seeds, which separates the seeds from the chaff or the husks and other debris. You can do this by blowing or fanning the seeds or using a screen or a sieve. You should end up with clean and shiny seeds.
Store the seeds
It would be best if you stored the spinach seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a jar, a tin, or a plastic bag. You should also label the seeds with the variety name and the date of harvest. Besides, you can store the spinach seeds for up to five years, but they will germinate better if you use them within two to three years.
How to Store and Freeze Spinach?
Spinach is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve spinach for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze spinach:
Store spinach in the refrigerator
You can store fresh spinach in the refrigerator for up to a week if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. However, you should avoid washing the spinach before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the spinach just before using it.
Freeze spinach raw
You can freeze raw spinach without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw spinach will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw spinach, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw spinach for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze spinach blanched
You can freeze blanched spinach, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw spinach. To freeze blanched spinach, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for one to two minutes, depending on the size of the leaves.
You should then drain and cool the leaves, and squeeze out the excess water. You can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Furthermore, you can freeze blanched spinach for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
Things to Keep in Mind: How to Grow Spinach Successfully?
Spinach is a cool-season crop that grows best in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. It can tolerate light frost but not heat or drought. Spinach also prefers moist, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here are some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully:
Choose the right variety
There are many types of spinach, but the most common varieties are savoy, semi-savoy, and flat-leafed. Savoy spinach has dark green, crinkly leaves that are great for salads and wraps. Semi-savoy spinach has slightly curled leaves that are more resistant to diseases and bolting. Flat-leafed spinach has smooth, broad leaves that are easy to clean and process. You can also choose spinach varieties based on their maturity time, bolt resistance, flavor, and color. Bloomsdale, Tyee, Space, Melody, and Red Kitten are popular spinach varieties.
Sow the seeds
You can sow spinach seeds directly in the garden, or start them indoors and transplant them later. The best time to sow spinach seeds is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also sow spinach seeds every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
Besides this, you should sow the seeds about half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. You should water the seeds well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the spinach seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about four to six inches of space between each plant, and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the spinach plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
Depending on the variety, you can start harvesting spinach leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 25 to 50 days after sowing. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should harvest spinach in the morning, when the leaves are crisp and fresh, and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest spinach before it starts to bolt, which is when it produces flowers and seeds, and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Use Spinach in Different Cuisines and Recipes?
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a pasta, a pie, or a smoothie, spinach can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use spinach in different cuisines and recipes:
Mediterranean cuisine
Spinach is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, such as spanakopita, a Greek pie made with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, or spinach and chickpea stew, a Moroccan dish flavored with cumin, paprika, and lemon juice. You can also make a simple spinach salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Asian cuisine
Spinach is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a Chinese spinach and tofu stir-fry with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, or a Japanese spinach and sesame salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also make an Indian spinach and potato curry with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and garam masala, or a spinach and paneer cheese dish with cream, tomato, and fenugreek.
Italian cuisine
Spinach is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in pasta, pizza, and lasagna. You can make a spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage sauce, or a spinach and mushroom pizza with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You can also make a spinach and cheese lasagna with béchamel sauce, or a spinach and artichoke dip with cream cheese and sour cream.
American cuisine
Spinach is also popular in American cuisine, especially salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a spinach and strawberry salad with almonds and poppy seed dressing or a spinach and bacon sandwich with mayonnaise and mustard. You can also make a spinach and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, or a spinach and artichoke quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Wrapping It Up!
Spinach is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store spinach, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Spinach is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know about how to harvest spinach, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be ether to answer them all for you.
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Moving can be a stressful time for some families. With so much to organise and a whole house to pack up into boxes, the process can feel overwhelming at times. With the right organisational strategy and a clear plan in place, you can move house without encountering a stressful experience. Use these packing and moving tips to reduce the hassle.
1. Prioritise safety
Many people worry about the safety of their possessions when moving house, particularly when moving fragile objects, valuable furniture, family heirlooms, or antiques. It’s important to have the right supplies available to pack your things safely so all of your treasured possessions get over to your new property in one piece. Invest in plenty of bubble wrap roll to make sure your boxes are securely padded, and use a moving company you know and trust so you can move without any worries.
2. Make a massive to do list
There’s so much to do when you move house, so it’s important to have a clear list to help you stay on track. Sit down with the whole family and craft a thorough to do list. Divide the list into categories for each family member to tackle, and make sure everyone ticks off their achievements once they’re completed. Include even seemingly minor details – every little task counts when you’re moving out.
3. Make sure your boxes are sturdy
The packing process will be much easier with the right supplies. If you’ve used the same old cardboard boxes for every move since university, it may be time for a change. Your possessions will be safest tucked away and wrapped up in strong, sturdy boxes. If you don’t have any of your own, ask around amongst family and friends to borrow some better boxes or to get recommendations for a supplier.
4. Plan ahead
Leaving packing until the last minute is a recipe for a crisis. Make sure things stay calm by scheduling your packing and moving plans well in advance so you know what the plan is for each day ahead of time. This includes enlisting family or friends for help or babysitting, booking the moving van, and arranging cancellations or transfers with your utility companies in advance.
5. Label everything
Your unpacking process will be a whole lot easier if you label everything clearly during the move. Use a thick pen and tape to mark down the contents of each box on the side and top of the box. Write down what’s in the box and what room it belongs in so you can bring it straight to its intended location when you move into your new house.
6. Pack essentials separately
There are certain items that you’re probably going to need to unpack immediately when you move into your new space. This may include toothbrushes, toiletries, a change of clothes, and bedding. Make sure you pack these essential must-haves in their own box that’s clearly marked to be unpacked first.
7. Ask for help
You don’t have to tackle the task of packing and moving all alone. Get the whole family on board to help out, and call in extra help if you need it. There’s no shame in needing a little extra support, and the help could reduce the stress of the move.
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Feeling a bit homesick while away at college is pretty common and almost everyone goes through it at some point. And, if you are a student living abroad in student housing, it might be even more difficult for you.
Feeling a bit homesick while away at college is pretty common, and almost everyone goes through it at some point. And, if you are a student living abroad in student housing, it might be even more difficult for you.
After all, being in a different environment, like student apartments, can sometimes make you feel disconnected from home. First things first, you might need to find apartments near campus so that you can at least save some commute time.
The good news is — there are several other strategies that’ll help you make your new place feel just like your own house. Let’s keep reading to know more about it.
Let’s keep reading to know more about it.
1: Add a Little Bit More Light
Improving the brightness of your living space is essential for comfort and health. Dim or insufficient lighting can create a dreary atmosphere, making your student accommodation feel cramped and less inviting. Enhancing the illumination may also create a curious illusion of spaciousness, akin to the roominess of your bedroom back home.
If your current light fixtures aren't effective, consider investing in stylish lamps to brighten up your place. Not only will this boost the ambiance, but it'll also revive the space, making it feel more lively and homely. Choosing lamps that align with your personal style will not only add a touch of flair but also bring back the cozy feelings of home that you're missing.
2: Instill Life in Those Lifeless Walls
If your new apartment has plain white walls and feels a bit empty, bringing in cherished photos or posters can liven up the space.
Whether it's capturing your family moments or displaying images of beloved sports icons, incorporating these elements, can personalize your living area.
Consider engaging a professional house painter in CT or a painting company in Prospect, CT, to introduce more depth and texture to your walls with a fresh coat of paint.
3: The Plants… Don’t Forget Them
If you enjoy plants but lack the time or skill for care, consider placing a few low-maintenance plants in your student apartment.
They can bring color, improve air quality, and enliven your living area effortlessly.
However, if you don't have the time or inclination for plant care, there are a lot of attractive artificial plants available that can still lend a sense of style and coziness to your new home.
4: Blankets, Rugs, and Pillows Can Be Your Best Friend
Simple tile, carpets, or hardwood floors might lack excitement.
To spruce things up, consider adding stylish throw rugs to your apartment—they not only enhance decor and color but also bring comfort and a personal touch.
Additionally, throwing blankets and vibrant pillows on sofas and chairs might further elevate your space with a touch of flair.
5: Gather Your Favorite Food and Stuff
Food serves as a strong cultural link and a way to bring people together, although it can also spark heated debates like the pineapple pizza controversy. It holds significant value in our lives, often tied to cherished family recipes.
Exploring those recipes with loved ones can be a wonderful experience. Yet, not all favorite dishes originate from family recipes; some hail from local restaurants.
Recreating these meals can be achieved through copycat recipes found online or by purchasing specialty sauces or dishes from these establishments. If all else fails, discovering new eateries can lead to new culinary favorites and create fresh memories.
6: Make Your Space Smell Better
Is there a particular aroma that evokes the feeling of being home? It could be the comforting scent of your mom's Sunday morning cinnamon buns or the nostalgic fragrance of garden flowers from your childhood bedroom.
Whatever brings you that sense of security, consider finding ways to incorporate that smell into your space. If burning candles isn't an option in your apartment, there are alternatives like oil diffusers, wax melts, and candle warmers that can help recreate that familiar scent.
7: Have a Motivating Study Space
In college, studying is inevitable. While some apartments offer study rooms, you might opt to carve out your own study nook within your place.
Thankfully, the additional room in an apartment lets you craft a cozy workspace to ease the studying grind. Locate a peaceful corner with minimal interruptions. Then, deck it out with a comfy chair, a quality reading lamp, and enjoyable stationery to amp up your study vibes.
8: Cozy and Ambient Lighting
Fluorescent lights commonly found in dorm rooms might not be appealing. Instead, opt for a stylish desk lamp for your study area or a larger floor lamp to illuminate the entire space.
You could also think about getting a budget-friendly light timer to automatically switch on your lamps in the evening.
Walking into a softly lit room late at night creates a much more inviting atmosphere than entering a completely dark space.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I personalize my student apartment on a budget?
Personalizing on a budget is possible! Consider using affordable decor items like posters, string lights, and inexpensive furniture. DIY projects and second-hand stores are also great options.
Q: What are some easy ways to add a personal touch to my living space?
Incorporate items that reflect your personality, such as photos, artwork, or memorabilia. Adding throw pillows, rugs, and curtains in your favorite colors can also make a significant difference.
Q: How can I maximize storage in a small apartment without making it feel cluttered?
Optimize vertical space with shelves and organizers. Use under-bed storage bins, wall-mounted hooks, and multi-functional furniture like ottomans with hidden storage to keep things organized.
Q: Can I paint the walls of my student apartment, or are there alternative options for adding color?
Check with your landlord first regarding painting. If not allowed, use removable wallpaper, wall decals, or large fabric panels to add color and personality without causing damage.
Q: How can I create a productive study space within my apartment?
Choose a quiet area with good lighting and invest in a comfortable chair and desk.
Personalize the space with motivating quotes, plants, and organizational tools to make it conducive to studying.
Q: Are there any low-maintenance plants that are suitable for a student apartment?
Yes, consider plants like snake plants, pothos, or succulents that require minimal care. These can add a touch of nature to your space without demanding too much attention.
Q: Any advice for maintaining a clean and organized apartment?
Develop good habits, such as cleaning up after yourself daily and having a designated place for everything. Regular decluttering sessions and a cleaning schedule can help maintain a tidy and organized living space.
Read Also:
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Things You Can Do to Your Apartment to Raise Its Value
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