Published on: 03 December 2018
Last Updated on: 19 July 2019
Stone veneers are a popular but often misunderstood product, though they’re slowly increasing in popularity. Installing stone veneer is a rather affordable way to add value to your property and improve the overall curb appeal. Let’s take a look at what stone veneers are and the main types of stone veneers on the market. Then we’ll share how you can increase the value of your home with stone veneers and where you may want to have them installed.
An Introduction to Stone Veneers:
Stone veneer refers to any outward facing material made from stone that is not designed to be load bearing. You can find both thin and full stone veneers. Full veneers are three to five inches thick and weigh far more than “thin” veneers. Thin veneers are three-quarters of an inch to one and a half inches thick. Because they are thinner, there is less time and labor required to install them. Thick “full” veneers may require advanced engineering to keep them in place, while thin stone veneers may be supported by the wall. Thin veneers can often be used on taller or higher projects. Now let’s look at how stone veneers add value to your home.
The Aesthetic Value:
Stone has a natural look and feel. Kafka natural stone veneer, for instance, comes in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can select the type that either matches the natural environment or accentuates it. You’ll create a look that will not only be a timeless classic but one that appears upscale, as the real stone is so expensive. This explains why a stone veneer project has roughly a 92% return on investment when you sell your home. Your home will also stand out from those around it that are clad in brick or vinyl siding.
The Simplicity:
Stone veneers meet pretty much all applicable building code requirements. Note that if you like the look of stone but don’t want to redo the entire home, you could have a stone accent wall put on the front of your home, or create stone pillars on the porch. Or you could put stone veneers around a gas or electric fireplace to make it resemble a real, stone fireplace without the time, cost and engineering changes necessary for a new stone fireplace installation.
The Structural Benefits:
Stone is very durable. After all, it takes a long time to weather. This makes stone an excellent choice for the exterior of your home; it will survive repeated freezes and thaws. A stone veneer wall can typically weather abuse by mother nature and casual impacts. It is water-repellent, pest-resistant and otherwise one of the most durable options on the market.
The Economic Benefits:
A properly installed stone veneer is maintenance free; you won’t have to repaint it as the colors won’t fade on exposure to sunlight or flake off with rain and wind. You won’t have to replace it in a few years because it has warped due to exposure to the elements. And as mentioned, stone veneers make a home appear high-end, resulting in higher offers for the property when you try to sell it.
Stone veneers provide you with the best of both worlds. They provide the durability, attractiveness, and strength of stone. This is all without the high cost and advanced engineering requirements necessary to install full stone walls.
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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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Landscape edging can further add to the beauty and utility of your beach home. You might think that with a yard made of sand instead of grass you're stuck with no options. Forget that train of thought because you had a multitude of possibilities with your sandy landscape and plenty of reasons to edge your yard.
Benefits of Landscape Edging :
Regardless of the soil or grasses composition of your yard, landscape edging provides many benefits, including:
a crisp, manicured appearance to your yard and home
increases curb appeal
adds value to your yard and home economically
creates a root barrier to stop the spread of invasive grasses and reeds
helps prevent erosion
provides a contrast to the yard and your home
Edging can help create paths, direct traffic flow in the yard, and set aside yard areas for special uses. You can create planting areas or a patio area with a combination of small hard materials for the main area and larger materials for the edging.
Design Materials :
The main advantage of sand is its neutral color goes with everything. Whether black, cream, or white sand, it works with any color contrast you choose.
That leaves you open to a number of design materials including brick, fencing, glass, pavers, plastic, potted plants, stone, tile, wattle, or wood.
Your choice depends on the look you want to achieve. Separating the yard from beach sand dunes with slat wood fencing provides a traditional look. Most wood edging lasts about ten years before needing touch-ups or replacement.
Concrete comes performed or you can create a custom form and pour your own design. This lets you create a look no other yard has. Creating your own forms lets you add materials to dress up the concrete pavers. Add small river stones, seashells, sand dollars, beads, or small tiles.
You can lay or stack large stone or brick. This forms either a low curb edge or a low wall.
Plastic or resin dividers come in many designs from faux stones to fencing. Choose wisely and in-person to check the plastic's quality. The cheaper plastic edging looks just that.
To achieve an organic look with sturdy materials, create a wattle fence. Wattle consists of weaving the saplings of pliable trees together. Dogwood and willow make popular choices.
Another choice that mixes organic and inorganic materials, potted plants, delineate lawn areas while adding life to a sand-covered lawn. Try potted seagrasses, potted palms, or potted palmetto trees. Both the pots and plants add color.
You can get numerous other ideas on websites like Pinterest. You'll also find installation ideas.
Installation Tips :
Set the edging in place firmly. You may need to dig a shallow space for each. Fit it inside the shallow, then re-pack the dirt around it.
Installation varies based on use. Use the following a depth/height guide:
lawn or garden divider - use a trenched edge or ditch with a V-shape;
mowing strip - use flat, wide materials level with the ground so lawn mower wheels can easily skim over them
capture mulch - keep mulch in place using a solid material that extends four inches below ground and two inches above
beautification - use any height that provides the desired aesthetic.
You can create an attractive lawn with sandy soil as the base. Create interest and divide space using landscape edging.
Read Also :
Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Flea In Your Lawn
Ten Tips To Make Most Out Of Your Outdoor Space
Grow These Flowering Plants In Your Home Garden To Remove Vastu Related Problems
Kylie :
Outside of writing for EverythingBackyard, I love to spend all the time I can outdoors and find every excuse to leave my house. I write about everything from backyard DIY projects to gardening. If you can't get a hold of me I am probably on a trail or a boat.
Economic crises, such as the 2008 recession, or the current COVID-19 pandemic, tend to make people think about job security and finance for the future.
It’s one of the main reasons why people turn their attention to self-sufficiency, home farming, and even raising livestock. The good news is there is plenty of support, ranging from high-quality livestock loans to expert advice.
But, before you can start buying cattle you need to be sure that you know how to care for them. Fortunately, you’re about to discover the three ways to care for cattle at home.
1. Shelters & Paddocks
Grazing animals need to have approximately 2 acres per animal for all year round grazing. This may seem excessive but grass growth slows in the winter, you have to allow for this. Anything less than this means you need to calculate the cost of animal feed and include this in your budget.
Don’t forget, this is a minimum. Having more space will allow you to deal with bad grass growth, whether a result of drought or something else.
You also need to make paddocks, these are simple fenced areas that allow you to rotate your cattle and ease the burden on the grass. You’ll need big enough paddocks to accommodate your cattle, keeping cows and bulls separate.
The larger your paddocks the better as small paddocks mean frequent cattle rotations. Of course, no matter how big the paddock you should move your cattle regularly to avoid the grass becoming ruined.
You may be surprised to learn that cattle don’t actually need shelter. But, they do need the high ground to wait out storms and other bad weather. That said, you can build a barn that provides the cattle with a roof, but this will cost more.
2. Basic Needs
Cattle need grass of animal food in order to stay healthy. This is important whether you want milk or meat from them. But, they also need a plentiful supply of water.
Freshwater springs and rivers are good but you’ll need to monitor and clean them often to ensure diseases aren’t spread. Alternatively, you can use an animal operated pasture pump. It’s a tank with a pump that is activated by the cow pressing against the lever, giving them access to the water.
Your cattle need approximately 2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight per day.
3. Cattle Training
Your cattle need to respond when you want them to. This may be to herd them or for some other purpose. You’ll have to decide the noise you wish to make, such as a bell or car horn, then sound it when you feed the cattle. Repeat it every time you feed them and the cows will quickly learn to come whenever you make the specific sound.
Moving cattle around requires little effort. Alongside the recognizable sound, simply use a plastic paddle to put gentle pressure on the sides, it will steer them where you want them to go.
With a little patience, you’ll have the cattle doing exactly what you want without any stress.
Read also:
5 Different Things You Can Try During Quarantine
7 Secrets to keeping your Lawn Tidy and Green
