There comes a time in the life of every adult when they start asking themselves big questions. Are you in the right job? Do you want to move to? Are you ready to commit? Like every big decision, it usually takes a lot of thinking and contemplating.
But what if you can’t decide? After a year, or maybe two, is it time for you and your partner to settle down with each other? Read on to see if you’re ready to take the leap into a lifelong commitment.
Are You Ready to Settle Down:
Sharing a Home:
If you’ve been together for some time now, it’s reasonable to start thinking about living together. It’s believed that this prepares you for the possibility of marriage in the future. When you spend all of your free time in the same place, you get to know your partner in ways you didn’t even imagine. Are you ready for that?
If the answer is yes, the first thing to do is find a home for both of you. Try to have an honest talk with your partner about what your home should be like. Is it big or small? City or suburbs?
When making a choice about the big stuff, you can pop over to these guys and do some research to get some help deciding. But don’t wait too long! If you contemplate too much, your dream home might be gone!
Do You Have A Pet?
Let’s say you have already been living together for a while. You pay the bills, buy groceries, and of course, binge-watch your favorite TV show together. Now, take a look around your place. Do you see a plant? If your answer is yes, congratulations! You are halfway on becoming a serious, grown-up couple.
How about we take it a step further, by getting a pet together? It could be a cat, a dog or, hey, even a fish. Have you already made this step? If not, would you want to do that?
People say that having a pet is similar to having a baby. You have to walk it, feed it, and take care of it. This can take up a lot of time. If you and your special someone feel ready for this step, that is a good sign for your relationship. It means you are moving forward and growing up as a couple.
Still Not Sure?
Listen, making such a huge decision can be overwhelming for some. This is one of those things you don’t want to rush. It’s okay to take your time and figure everything out. The worst thing you can do is hurry onto things and regret it after a few months.
So make a list. Write down the pros and cons regarding your partner and things you see working in the future. We know it sounds silly, but trust us, it works. Sometimes answering the smallest questions can show you what you really want. See which list is longer and try to be fair and honest with yourself. Otherwise, it may not work out for the best.
Result:
If you feel ready after reading this, congratulations! You are prepared for a long and happy life together. You can start planning your life as a couple and share the ups and downs together. If not, no worries. Every person is different, and we all have unique ways of making big decisions.
So don’t beat yourself up. The most important thing is that you find that special someone in your life. When the right time comes, you will know.
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Sunflowers are not only beautiful and cheerful, but they also produce delicious and nutritious seeds that you can enjoy as a snack or use in various recipes. Harvesting sunflower seeds is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your whole family. It is also a great way to teach your kids about nature, gardening, and healthy eating.
In this article, I will show you how to harvest sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your sunflower harvest. If you enjoyed reading my blog on harvesting lettuce, you will enjoy reading this one!
So, if that is what you are interested in knowing, I have you covered! Keep reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Grow Sunflower Seeds: A Simple and Rewarding Gardening Project?
Sunflowers are one of the most iconic and cheerful flowers in the world. They are also one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow from seeds.
Sunflowers can brighten up your garden, attract pollinators, provide shade, and produce edible seeds that you can harvest and enjoy.
In this part of the article, I will show you how to grow sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your sunflower growing experience.
How to Choose Sunflower Seeds?
The first step to growing sunflower seeds is to choose the right seeds for your garden. Sunflowers come in a wide range of sizes, colors, shapes, and types. Some of the most common types of sunflowers are:
Giant sunflowers
These are the tallest and largest sunflowers, reaching up to 15 feet in height and 12 inches in diameter. They produce huge and heavy flower heads that are filled with large and plump seeds. They are ideal for creating a dramatic and impressive display in your garden, as well as for harvesting large quantities of seeds. Some examples of giant sunflowers are Mammoth, Titan, and Kong.
Dwarf sunflowers
These are the smallest and shortest sunflowers, growing up to 3 feet in height and 6 inches in diameter. They produce smaller and lighter flower heads that are easier to manage and maintain. They are ideal for growing in containers, pots, or small spaces, as well as for adding a splash of color and charm to your garden. Some examples of dwarf sunflowers are Teddy Bear, Sunny Smile, and Little Becka.
Colored sunflowers
These are the most diverse and colorful sunflowers, ranging from yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, brown, and even green. They produce medium-sized flower heads that are attractive and eye-catching. They are ideal for creating a vibrant and varied display in your garden, as well as for cutting and arranging in bouquets or vases. Some examples of colored sunflowers are Autumn Beauty, Moulin Rouge, and Lemon Queen.
Things to Consider While Choosing Sunflower Seed
When choosing sunflower seeds, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. For instance, you should also consider the following factors:
Climate and season of your area
Sunflowers are warm-season plants that need full sun and warm temperatures to grow and bloom. They are best planted in late spring or early summer, after the last frost, when the soil is warm and moist. If you live in a cold or frost-prone area, you can start your seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors when the weather is favorable.
Soil and water conditions of your garden
Sunflowers are adaptable and tolerant plants that can grow in most types of soil, as long as they are well-drained and fertile. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They also need regular watering, especially during the germination and flowering stages. However, they can withstand some drought and dryness once they are established.
Space and support available in your garden
Sunflowers are large and sturdy plants that need ample space and support to grow and thrive. They should be planted at least 2 to 3 feet apart from each other and from other plants, to avoid overcrowding and competition. They should also be staked or tied to a fence, a trellis, or a pole, to prevent them from bending or breaking under their own weight.
How to Plant Sunflower Seeds?
Once you have chosen your sunflower seeds, you can proceed to the next step. Planting sunflower seeds is a simple process that involves preparing, sowing, and caring for the seeds. Here is how to do it:
Prepare the Soil
Prepare the soil by loosening it with a fork or a spade. Ensure that you remove debris, weeds, or rocks. You can also enrich your soil by adding some compost, manure, or fertilizer, to boost its fertility and drainage. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy, and has a temperature of at least 50°F.
Sow the Seeds
Sow the seeds by making holes or furrows in the soil, about 1 to 2 inches deep and 2 to 3 feet apart. You can use a ruler, a stick, or your finger to make the holes or furrows. Drop one or two seeds in each hole or furrow, and cover them lightly with soil. You can also sprinkle some water over the seeds to help them settle in the soil.
Nurture
Care for the seeds by watering them regularly, but not excessively, to keep the soil moist but not wet. You can also mulch the soil with straw, grass clippings, or leaves, to retain moisture and prevent weeds. You should also protect the seeds from birds, squirrels, or other animals, by covering them with a net, a cage, or a cloche. You should also thin the seedlings when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall, by removing the weaker or smaller ones, and leaving only the strongest and healthiest ones.
How to Grow Sunflower Seeds?
After planting your sunflower seeds, you can watch them grow and enjoy their beauty and bounty. Growing sunflower seeds is a rewarding and satisfying experience that requires minimal maintenance and care. Here are some tips and tricks to grow sunflower seeds successfully:
Water
Water your sunflowers regularly, but not excessively, to keep the soil moist but not wet. Sunflowers need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather and the soil conditions. You can use a hose, a sprinkler, or a drip irrigation system to water your sunflowers. You should water them in the morning or evening, and avoid wetting the leaves or the flower heads, to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your sunflowers occasionally, but not excessively, to boost their growth and flowering. Sunflowers need a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20 formula. You can apply the fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, following the instructions on the label. You should avoid over-fertilizing your sunflowers, as this can cause them to grow too tall and weak, and make them prone to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Prune your sunflowers occasionally, but not excessively, to improve their shape and health. Sunflowers do not need much pruning, as they are naturally self-pruning and self-cleaning. However, you can prune them to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, stems, or flowers, to prevent infection and improve air circulation. You can also prune them to control their height and spread, by pinching or cutting off the tips of the main stem or the side branches.
You should use clean and sharp scissors or pruners to prune your sunflowers and do it in the morning or evening when the plants are less stressed.
When to Harvest Sunflower Seeds?
The first step to harvesting sunflower seeds is to know when they are ready. Sunflowers typically bloom in the summer and their seeds mature in late summer or early fall. You can tell when your sunflowers are ready to harvest by looking at their appearance and feel. Here are some signs that your sunflowers are ready to harvest:
Petals have fallen off or turned brown.
The back of the flower head has turned yellow or brown.
Seeds have developed black and white stripes.
The seeds are plump and firm to the touch.
If you are not sure if your sunflowers are ready to harvest, you can do a simple test by rubbing your thumb over the seeds. If they come off easily, they are ready to harvest. If they are still attached to the flower head, they need more time to ripen.
How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds?
Once you have determined that your sunflowers are ready to harvest, you can proceed to the next step. Harvesting sunflower seeds is a simple process that involves cutting, drying, and storing the seeds. Here is how to do it:
Cut the flower heads from the stems using a sharp knife or scissors. Leave about 12 inches of stem attached to the flower head for easier handling.
Place the flower heads in a dry and well-ventilated area, such as a garage, shed, or porch. You can hang them upside down or lay them flat on a screen or rack. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent mold and rot.
Let the flower heads dry for about two weeks or until the seeds are completely dry and hard. You can check the dryness by biting or cracking a seed. If it is crunchy and not moist, it is dry enough.
Remove the seeds from the flower heads by rubbing them gently with your hands or a soft brush. You can also use a fork or a spoon to scrape them off. Discard any debris, such as petals, leaves, or insects.
Store the seeds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, a plastic bag, or a metal tin. Label the container with the date and the variety of sunflower. Keep the container in a cool and dark place, such as a pantry, a cupboard, or a basement.
How to Enjoy Sunflower Seeds?
Now that you have harvested your sunflower seeds, you can enjoy them in various ways. You can eat them raw or roasted, salted or unsalted, shelled or unshelled. You can also use them in salads, soups, breads, muffins, granola, trail mix, pesto, butter, and more.
Sunflower seeds are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help manage high cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation and boost your immune system, brain function, and mood. Here are some tips and tricks to enjoy your sunflower seeds:
Roast
To roast your sunflower seeds, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp. You can season them with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, or any other spices you like.
Shell
To shell your sunflower seeds, you can use your teeth, your fingers, or a nutcracker. You can also soak them in water for a few hours to make them easier to shell. To remove the shells, you can blow them away with a fan, a hair dryer, or your mouth, or you can shake them in a colander or a sieve.
Sunflower Seed Butter
To make sunflower seed butter, you need to blend the shelled and roasted sunflower seeds in a blender until it turns smooth and creamy. You can add a little oil, honey, salt, or vanilla to enhance the flavor and texture. You can use sunflower seed butter as a spread for toast, crackers, or fruit, or as a dip for pretzels, celery, or carrots.
Pesto
To make sunflower seed pesto, blend roasted and shelled sunflower seeds with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or a blender until smooth and thick. You can use sunflower seed pesto as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or sandwiches, or as a dressing for salads or roasted vegetables.
Wrapping It Up!
Harvesting sunflower seeds is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your whole family. It is also a great way to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature, as well as the health benefits of sunflower seeds. By following the steps and tips in this article, you know how to harvest sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as enjoy them in various ways. I hope you found this article helpful and informative.
If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that yo 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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Have you tried deep cleaning your carpets such as using solutions in order to remove stains? Vacuuming is fairly easy and anybody can do it. But with the complexity of cleaning your rugs, the dirt, stains, and all that, leaving it to a professional is better. You do not know what lurks under those rugs.
Why do you need to hire a professional cleaner?
The who are specialists in many types of fibers. They know the type of cleaning material to use for any type of fiber. Their technician will simply have to inspect the rug to be treated and teach you ways to prolong the life of your rug.
Read also: Use Floor Polishing For Keeping Your Flooring Looking New
Benefits of Rug Cleaning in Dallas
Time Saver
Cleaning your carpet and rugs by yourself is time-consuming. It might even result in a disaster if you do not know what you are doing. By hiring a professional to do the work, you can save a lot of time.
Whenever you hire professionals, they will also be the ones to move the furniture and put them back. This is also another convenience because you do not have to do the moving. It can be quite exhausting.
Extend Your Rug's Life
A rug cleaning in Dallas, when done by professionals, can extend the life of your carpets and rugs. With regular cleaning, your rugs will look as good as new.
A professional cleaner will always perform a better job than hiring an amateur without so much experience. You can expect that every inch and fiber of your rug will be cleaned without damaging them.
Preserve Indoor Air
Rugs and carpets trap a lot of bacteria that you are not aware of. These can pollute your house and might cause allergies. Regular cleaning will prevent the growth of bacteria and allergens that can make you sick. By maintaining clean rugs, you will also preserve a dirt-free surrounding.
Feeling Clean and Comfy
Have you ever felt good walking into a house that is clean? Chances are, you know the feeling of a newly cleaned house. This is pretty much the same when you have a newly cleaned rug. There is that smell of freshness and your rug feels good on your bare feet.
Certification
Professionally trained cleaners are certified in all types of fibers. They know how to clean your rugs and spot any other necessary treatments to prolong the life of the rugs.
While it is true that professional rug cleaners cost more than an amateur, DIY or rentals, in the long run, you are still able to save more. A professional cleaner knows what to do with dirty and stained rugs. They know the chemicals to use without damaging the rug. They are also equipped with the necessary tools and cleaning solutions that are effective than those found in stores.
You can be sure that with professionals, your rugs will not get destroyed as opposed to doing everything yourself and not knowing the precautions on the use of chemicals.
When purchasing a home, people have some projection of the future. However, it is hard to predict everything. This is why we like getting a place with the room for improvement and expansion. The attic is probably one of the first choices for home expansion of growing families. It often seems miraculous the way an empty, or a storage room turns into a comfortable living space.
The purpose :
The purpose of your loft-conversion is an important element of project planning. Some of the most convenient and usual purposes are a playroom, an office, an entertainment room, or a bedroom. Decide the most convenient purpose depending on what you lack space for. Perhaps this can give your children enough space to play when they are indoors, or finally give you the master bedroom you’ve always wanted. The purpose will determine the layout, the amenities, and the type of access.
The access :
Perhaps you are used to using the attic ladder, however, when this becomes a room you use every day, the ladder is no longer acceptable. First of all, consider the space you have. Is there anything on the floor below which will make fitting a staircase difficult? Perhaps in certain scenarios, it could block one of the doors into one of the rooms. Hire a professional to make a plan for the stairs, unless you are a professional, or truly experienced. Safety should be your priority. Also if your loft is meant to be a playroom, you should definitely get a banister and safety get at the top and the bottom.
The style :
Does your attic currently have enough space for your purpose? Is the ceiling high enough? Do you have enough windows? Check your local regulations, get the required licenses and choose the style of the conversion. There are three common styles of the loft conversion, mansard, dormer, and roof light. The roof light is probably the most convenient one as it does not require major alterations to your roof. This is the reason why there is usually no need for planning permits. The other two styles, however, involve creating more space and offer a better choice of windows. You can get more daylight and a possibility of installing shutters and other window treatments greater energy-efficiency.
Electricity/Plumbing/HVAC :
Hire a licensed electrician to establish whether your current system can handle the increase in the electrical load required for the new room. Let them do the wiring. Look for the main stack and plan your bathroom in that area. A professional plumber should have no trouble setting it up. Finally, the last contractor you will need for this type of project is an HVAC specialist. They will tell you if the current system can support another room and set it up.
Insulation :
Insulation is another essential part of the conversion. Perhaps even the most important one. Without it, the room would be impossible to live in due to extreme temperatures. It protects a room from the weather elements and increasing energy efficiency. Hang drywall once you are done insulating.
Flooring :
The floor insulation is not so much for the sake of warmth, but for the sake of noise. Installing floorboards requires an excellent subfloor to reduce the squeakiness. Also, a carpet may be a good choice as it absorbs a lot of noise. While you are at it, carpet tiles are excellent for a playroom. They are not slippery, they absorb sound and they are easily removed and replaced.
The room now fulfills all standards to be lived in. All you are now left with are the finishing touches. You need to select the colors, the furniture, and decor. Do so according to the purpose of the room and your taste.
Bio: David Koller is a freelance blogger passionately interested in minor house fixes and home décor.
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