5 Summer Garden Maintenance Tips and Tactics You Have To Know

Published on: 03 August 2018 Last Updated on: 07 August 2021
Garden Maintenance

The summer is a season for critical garden maintenance says the best weed removal experts. Otherwise, your lovely plants, flowers, and trees might suffer from disease or be infested by pests if you don’t perform the much-needed maintenance. But no matter what the summer throws your garden, you can keep up provided you know of some maintenance tasks like the following.

5 Summer Garden Maintenance Tips and Tactics You Have To Know

If you are not confident of pruning the trees and plants yourself, hire experts that can help you do the same. The best garden maintenance tips from Tree Service Riverside focus on understanding the individual personality and nature of every tree in your garden. This is why you need to be different in terms of fertilizer applications, watering schedules, and other areas. Let us look at some of the major tips below-

1. Ensure Having A Good Soil:

You can add organic matter to the soil, but it must be as varied as possible.  For example, you can consider adding manure for nitrogen.

Manure is valuable because its nutrients are ready for consumption by the soil and plants.

You may also want to consider composting, which is the recycling of organic wastes that speed up soil formation.

Finally, you may also want to make use of earthworms in the method called vermicomposting. These organisms can convert manure, green crop residues, and food wastes into usable forms for the plants.

See that the nutrient balance is correct by running a test to check for soil fertility. For this, you can hire a lawn professional to inspect and evaluate if the soil is balanced with nutrients, including potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

2. Remove The Weeds:

Weeds are real survivors, and they cannot just seem to stop annoying you. Be able to fight dirty by getting rid of them. At the very least, remember not to leave any roots behind, so do not yank only the leaves or they will grow back. Grab them lose to the ground and then pull them straight up.

The best time to remove the weeds is after the rain because the ground is still moist.  Just a word of caution though. You should be careful walking around in your wet garden, or else the soil will be compact.  If there is no rain, you can water the garden before pulling the weeds. Finally, remove them while they’re still small.  But if you want to get rid of them effectively, you should consider hiring weed removal experts. Another thing you should be careful to be the weeds and other grass near the garden sheds and make sure they are removed as well.

3. Watering the Garden:

Prevent the effects of the summer heat to your plants and flowers.   At the very least, you should keep the temperature at 90°F by using a combination of weeding, watering, and shading.

Also, one of the golden rules for summer garden maintenance is to keep the soil moist. So if needed, you should water it twice a day.

The best time to water the plants is early in the morning when it can easily infiltrate the soil. Another is the late afternoon especially for soil that looks crusty.

For maximum water absorption, you must water at the plant’s base. You may also want to put a shade, such as a protective screen in your garden. It can prevent the water from escaping due to evaporation and reduce the surrounding temperature by up to 10 degrees.

4. Pruning:

Pruning’s main objective is to get rid of the problem, such as ailing or dead branches.

Always make an angled cut, which must be just above but sloping away from a bud above the point where a leaf is attached to a branch.

Do not cut close to the bud or it will be damaged and eventually will dry out and die.

Also, do not cut too far above a bud because the remaining stub is going to rot away, die, or become an entry point for plant disease.

Tips: Inspect the shrubs and trees for any broken or dead branches. You should also look for branches rubbing together because the wounds from those would just expose more surface area that will require more time to heal versus the clean cuts because they become entry points for disease and pests.  So as soon as you notice any broken, rubbing, or dead branches, prune them.

5. Remove Dead Plants:

Get rid of dead plants regardless of why they died – natural causes, insect damage, or disease. These plants should be eliminated because they can collect pests to spread around your garden to damage other plants.   Use them in your compost pile if they’re still safe to use it.

Taking care of your garden using these simple and easy maintenance tips will help in keeping your plants, flowers, and trees healthy all summer. Remember to prune, water, remove dead plants, ensure the soil is healthy and hire weed removal experts for the perfect summer garden maintenance.

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how to harvest dill

How to Harvest and Preserve Dill for Year-Round Use?

The tender, fern-like leaves of dill almost beg to be touched. If you want to cook them, trim the fresh dill foliage and gather the seeds for pickling. Or you can chop the feathery leaves and yellow umbels for attractive bouquets of homegrown flowers. In addition, black swallowtail caterpillars love to feed on it. Its tiny yellow blooms are great at drawing in a wide range of pollinators. Dill grows as an annual for summer harvests in USDA Hardiness Zones 2–8. In other parts, it may self-seed and is hardy in the winter in Zones 9–11. Here is everything you need to know about how to harvest dill. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide. How to Harvest Dill? Fresh dill clips easily, but it soon starts to droop. Sounds familiar to Cilantro, right? Its flower umbels may look lovely in a mixed bouquet, but after a few hours, don't be shocked if they start to wilt. When harvesting dill for recipes, use it as soon as possible because its flavor starts to fade after a few days. Cut off the flower stalks of dill after the yellow blooms have faded but before the seeds start to ripen and come away from the umbel. Cover the entire flower head with a small paper bag that has a few tiny holes for ventilation. Hang the plant upside down in a cool, dry place. Watch for the seeds to fall and collect them in the bag's bottom. The seeds should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark area in an airtight glass container. When and How to Plant Dill? Dill grows best outside and is simple to start from seed. Plant the seeds directly into the ground, 1/4 inch deep and spaced 1 to 2 inches apart, in the springtime following the last frost. If you want the dill plants to be able to self-sow, plant the seeds in tufts so the seeds can fall and sprout the following year. Or you can plant them in rows spaced about 6 inches apart. You might want to think about succession planting if you want a reliable supply of dill. During the growing season, start by planting a small number of seeds from the packet at a time and then a few more every week. Typically, seeds take 7 to 14 days to germinate. Also, dill can be grown from transplants grown in nurseries planted in the ground or in containers in spring. You can plant dill outside a few weeks before the last predicted spring frost because it can withstand light frost. To achieve lush growth and stop crowded seedlings from producing seed heads, which stops the production of foliage, thinning is essential. Every 12 to 24 inches, reduce the number of seedlings to just the strongest one once they reach 3 or 4 inches in height. As they get bigger, some start to flop. Plants can be kept upright by placing a stake or a sturdy twig in the ground close to the plant's base. To loosely secure the plant to the stake, use garden twine. You can start the dill seeds indoors four to six weeks prior to the last frost. And you can move the seedlings to the ground once the risk of frost has passed. Transplanting mature dill does not work well, so plant your seedlings where they will be able to grow and thrive. Where To Plant Dill? Dill should be planted in a spot with well-drained soil and at least 6 to 8 hours of daily full, direct sunlight. Particularly for cottage gardens, the delicate foliage gives garden beds and borders textural interest. Choose a location for your dill that will shield it from the wind if possible. Just like spinach, high winds can easily damage its stalks if you do not stake the dill. You can plant dill's fragrant foliage in perennial garden container plantings. Or you can plant them alongside other herbs or vegetables in a traditional kitchen garden. In an edible garden, cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, collard greens, broccoli, and cabbage are good companion plants for dill. Dill draws beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees and drives away common brassica pests like loopers and cabbage worms. But avoid planting dill close to carrots. Carrots can be stunted by dill, and because they are closely related, dill can cross-pollinate with carrots to produce inferior hybrid plants. Planting dill close to tomatoes is also not recommended. Mature dill will probably stunt your tomatoes' growth, even though some studies have indicated that tomatoes and dill can be beneficial companions when they are young. How to Propagate Dill? Seed is the most effective method of dill propagation. Cuttings can also propagate Dill, though this isn't as dependable. Seed: Direct sow the dill seeds in early spring at a depth of 1/4 inch in a prepared garden bed. Dill does not tolerate transplanting well. Thin the seedlings so they are 12–24 inches apart when they are 3–4 inches tall. Cuttings: Using shears or scissors, cut off the stem with at least 3 to 4 inches of new growth to take a dill cutting. Place the cutting in a water-filled container, making sure to remove any leaves below the water's surface, and allow the roots to grow for two to three weeks. Fertilizer and rooting hormones are not required. Plant the dill in a container or on the ground once the roots are 2 to 3 inches long. Is Dill a Type of Weed? No, I am not talking about WEED weed (read: marijuana). Although dill isn't technically a weed, some individuals and spice companies call the plant dill weed, possibly due to its feathery leaves. Dill weed is a dried or fresh foliage plant. Flower umbels are yellow and used to make dill seeds. How Should Dill Be Stored for Optimal Quality? You can keep fresh dill in the fridge by wrapping its leaves in a moist paper towel. Or you can tuck its stems into a container of water. Fresh dill can be frozen by submerging it in water in ice cube trays. Place the cubes in cooked dishes that have enough moisture to withstand them. Dill seeds and leaves can also be easily dried for later use, though the flavor is a lot more muted. Water and Soil Sow dill in soil that is moist but well-drained. If there is a lot of clay in your soil, add organic matter to the top few inches to aid in drainage. If you have trouble with poor soil drainage, plant this herb in raised beds or containers. Growing dill requires proper irrigation. As the seeds germinate, keep the soil evenly moist. Dill plants require one to two inches of rain or extra water each week once they begin to grow. Humidity and Temperature Dill tolerates temperatures as low as 25ºF, but 70ºF is the ideal temperature for it. Dill often bolts, sending up flower stalks to set seeds when temperatures rise. This annual herb dies after it flowers and produces seeds. Get rid of the flowers to prolong the plant's growing season. Apply Fertilizer While most herbs, including dill, don't require extra fertilizer, you can give them once or twice during the growing season by applying a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. When planting, either mix a liquid fertilizer with water or etch a time-release fertilizer into the soil. Refer to the product label for instructions on how much to use. Trimming Dill should be pruned early in the growing season to prevent limb bending. Cut off the top leaves of the plant to promote more growth of the lower leaves. Food preparation and cooking can be done with anything that has been pruned. Repotting and Potting You can grow dill in pots on a sunny balcony or deck, even if you don't have an outdoor garden. Due to the deep taproot that dill plants have, choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep. Because clay and terracotta pots don't retain as much moisture as plastic or glazed ceramic pots. They are ideal for growing dill. Make sure the container you select has good drainage and is big enough to allow you to space your plants 12 to 24 inches apart. It is best to start over in a new, larger container. Especially if your dill plant outgrows its current one because it does not take well to transplant. If the temperature where you are planting is not too high, you can keep planting seeds into the summer. Types of Dill Dills can be of many types with each of their distinct looks and flavors. Here are the three different types of dill you can grow in your kitchen or backyard. Long Island Mammoth Also known as Long Island Mammoth this one is an old-time favorite. Its fern-like leaves can be dried and stored for a long time, or they can be harvested fresh. It produces big clusters of yellow flowers with flat tops. They turn into brown seed heads, and they can reach a height of five feet. Fernleaf Grown to a height of only 18 inches, Anethum graveolens, or Fernleaf, is a highly productive dwarf variety. It works well in container gardens or small in-ground beds. Its feathery, delicate foliage has a great flavor of dill. From midsummer into fall, it blossoms. Bouquet The 'Bouquet' cultivar produces plants up to thirty inches tall with fine bluish-green foliage. The enormous, six-inch-diameter yellow flower heads are ideal for drying, creating an enduring arrangement. Or you could chop them for fresh floral arrangements. How to Keep New Dill Fresh? Dill weed quickly wilts after harvesting and gradually loses its distinctive flavor and aroma. If you know how to store your freshly harvested dill, this shouldn't be a problem. Here are two straightforward techniques that you can use: Put It in the Crisper Drawer of the Refrigerator Loosely wrap the recently cut and cleaned leaves in damp kitchen towels before putting them in a container or sealed bag. Put the container in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, which has a lower humidity than the other sections of the appliance. Utilize the herbs before they begin to wilt and dry out, which should happen in a few days. Put It in Water To make this method function, when harvesting the herb, you must cut off the entire stem. After gathering the stems, put them in a glass of water and seal the opening with a plastic bag. Every day, change the water. Unlike potatoes, dill leaves can remain fresh for up to a week when stored in this manner. How to Freeze Fresh Dill? Freezing is the best way to preserve extra dill for later use if you've harvested more than you can use at once or in a few days. Dill freezes most effectively when chopped into smaller pieces and added to ice cube trays with just enough water to cover the freshly minced dill. This allows the herbs to be kept for four months or longer. This will ensure you always have dill on hand for when a recipe calls for it. How to Dry Fresh Dill? Dried fresh dill is a popular method if you're searching for another way to store dill for a long time. The herb has many uses, even though it won't have as much flavor as when it's fresh or frozen. All year long, you can use it as a herb in cooked dishes or to make tea. Stick to hang-drying if you don't want much of the flavor to be lost. This is a very easy method to use. All you must do is gather a few dill leaves and then bind them with a string. Later, place them in an area with adequate ventilation upside down.  Place them in an airtight container once they're crumbling and dry. Even though fresh dill is always preferable, make sure to save some for later use. Particularly if you don't have a year-round indoor herb and spice garden. Wrapping Up Growing dill is a great way to add flavor to fish and seafood dishes. A little goes a long way because fresh dill leaves have a strong licorice flavor. It is best that you add dill toward the end of cooking, in salads, or as a garnish for soups. Because once cooked, it tends to lose its flavor. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to harvest dill, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest? How To Harvest Sunflower Seeds: A Fun And Easy Activity For The Whole Family How TO Harvest Lemongrass: Tips AND Tricks FOR Growing AND Using This Versatile Herb

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Condo Interior

Top Expert Tips for a Stunning Condo Interior!

With industrialization taking the spotlight in many cities, it’s easy to understand why there are a lot of people who choose to find a temporary or permanent residence in the rural areas near their workplace. Condo unit in Cebu is among the most popular picks both for locals and non-locals who wish to have an accessible property within the central city. Given the huge number of real estate companies that now have a lot of units offered, it shouldn’t be much of a problem to find a place that fits your preference and needs well. For those who already purchased their units, the next challenge comes with the need to beautify and enhance the looks of the current unit they own. Condominiums tend to have synonymous designs on all their units so it’s in the hand of the unit owner to personalize the space however he or she wants. Take a look at the following expert tips that can help you achieve that stunning look you hope for. Plan every detail: There is no substitute for planning in interior design. Even professional designers spend time creating a blueprint on how they would beautify an interior. You must do the same. By planning, you get to identify the specific areas of your home in need of enhancements as well as those that can do well without the current furniture you’ve placed on them. If you want to move your furniture around the condo, you need to ensure that you do not end up damaging the same or scraping the new and expensive floor. One great way that you can manage this is by using furniture wheels. This will allow you to move your chairs, sofa sets, and other items without worrying about the need that you will damage them. The more detailed you are in the planning, the better. This also saves you time from having to decide while working. Maximize the use of graphic images on doors or walls: Condo units have vacant spaces that look dull in the absence of accessories. A lot of homeowners use paintings or huge, laminated photos to hang on those vacant spaces, but your option is not just limited to such. You can go for customized printed glasses or wallpapers to add color to those spaces. By personalizing the prints, you’re also adding a hint of identity to your unit. Place accessories such as tables and drapes in front of a full-length window: Full-length windows are attractive because they give you an awesome view of the outside landscape. However, they may not look that attractive when it comes to the overall quality of your interior design. They can look intimidating and may give the illusion of dullness especially if you don’t have much furniture inside. Read also: Experts Recommend: Top Interior Design Trends For 2017 A good way to remedy this would be to put tables directly in front of the window or set up drapes to help provide the frame. Pick bright, minor accessories: Choosing the right accessories can be tricky as they need to highlight the main aspect of your interior without stealing the spotlight from it. Experts suggest that you pick small accessories like vases, flower pots, candles, and pen holders in brighter shades. Achieve balance in the interior. Darker furniture may look great in your personal office space. Balance is a necessary element in interior design. Experts found that using darker furniture makes the available space look bigger. Plus, they can blend well in just about any area within your condo unit. Read also: Interiors to Reduce the Heat Build-up in Your Homes The brighter accessories will do great on these items too. Don’t overcrowd: One common mistake a lot of homeowners do is to place too many items inside their place. While the idea of buying many pieces of furniture may seem like a good thing, it’s not necessarily a strategic thing to do especially when you have a small unit. If any, this would only make the place look smaller and will most certainly impede mobility. You can decorate without having to buy too much. A good rule of thumb would be to settle for the item you need most. There is no use in buying tools which you will not be using. The looks of your personal condo unit are dependent on how well you design it. The tips we mentioned are guidelines on how to make the place look appealing, but at the end of the day, the decision lies in your hands. If you can’t decide where to start your redesign, a good way to be motivated is to look at images online and see how other people improved the looks of their units. Be inspired and start decorating your own place!  

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modern dining room

5 Tips for Creating a Modern Dining Room

The dining room is more than just a space where meals are taken. It is the heart of the home and the one place that brings people together. As a space where families get to spend time and enjoy delicious meals, it is only right that homeowners would want it to be stylish and luxurious. The modern dining room comes in two types; the formal dining room is a separate area from the kitchen. On the other hand, open-plan dining where the kitchen connects to the living space. For the past years, the open plan dining has gained traction among homeowners, and the formal dining room is becoming more uncommon. Why? Because the large open plan is more practical and allows them to save space. Thus, the modern dining room concept has typically become the kitchen area that transitions into the living area. So how do you proceed with creating a modern dining room? Whether you are doing an extreme dining makeover or making a few tweaks to make your dining room, there are so many options to explore to give your space a modern tone. These tips will help you give your dining space a refreshing modern vibe. 1.Add a centerpiece When creating a modern dining room, it is essential also to decorate the dining table. A contemporary table centerpiece could spice up your dining room, giving it that modern look you are going for. Depending on your style, centerpieces go from a simple vase of flowers and candles to a decorative bowl with fruits. You can even customize one by DIYing decorations. Greenery centerpieces like succulents or snake plants would also do an excellent job bringing life into space. A bonus is they are low maintenance, and you won't have to deal with withered plants frequently. Mixing different statement-making materials with bold and neutral colors to decorate the room will give it a sophisticated look. Apart from elevating the dining room's overall appearance, a fantastic centerpiece will transform your dining into a classy space. 2.Integrate wooden furniture Wooden furniture has a lot to offer in the dining room. It's simple, and its natural attribute can bring style to the room. However, before you go in over your head with displaying cabinets and sideboards, start with the basics; dining table and chairs. However, you should consider adding a wooden dining table handcrafted to meet your preferred style and needs. There is a vast choice of wooden dining tables you can add to update your dining area. A large dining design would do a great job adding comfort. Team your dining table with classic chairs to give your dining space a whole new look. Anne Quin furniture offers to handcraft modern style dining tables at affordable rates. If you crave a luxurious dining set, you can learn more about Anne Quin furniture on their site. 3.Light it up One way to make a statement in your dining space is by adding a modern lighting fixture. Pendant lightings are on-trend, and most importantly, they work perfectly in the dining room. Always remember to choose a soothing light because you want people to be comfortable. The pro tip is the bigger you go, the better it is for the room's appeal. You can choose a single large hanging pendant or install a group to make a bolder statement in the room. There are many shops filled with affordable lighting fixtures, so you have free reign, one that marries well with the existing décor and finishes in the area. A beautiful lighting fixture will bring the room together and boost its visual appeal. 4.Add a banquette A modern dining space is about mixing different aspects: classic, elegant, and contemporary. Create a relaxed vibe in the room by adding a banquette near the dining table. A banquette is an ultimate steal when modernizing your dining space; homeowners get to enjoy a modern vibe while adding more storage space. It also offers a flexible seating option which is a bonus. You can top the banquette with colorful plush pillows to cheer up the area and add comfort. 5.A gallery wall Modern dining styles are about breaking the norm, and many homeowners are embracing going bold in their dining areas. To give the room a purposeful look, you can choose to add modern art or a couple of picture frames.   Since most modern furniture tends to be sleek and cold, a wall of art would create a warm look and maintain a contemporary tone at the same time.   A beautiful piece of contemporary art will bring in some color to finish the dining room. Family photos or botanical-inspired prints could add personality to your dining space. However, ensure you use matching frames to give the room a cohesive look.   Trust us; displaying them in your dining room would look twice as good as it would on your social media. How to Create a Cozy Dining for A Rented Apartment  Moved from your hometown for work?  Want to know how to create a cozy environment? Especially in the dining space? Here is how you can.  Moving to a new city for work is exciting. But first, you need an apartment.   Then, you’ll want to make that space feel like home — especially the dining area where you’ll gather for meals and memories. Here’s how to create great dining in a rented space.  Purchase a Compact Dining Set  In a rented apartment, the space is often limited! Yes, it is a nuisance, but we have to do the most   A small round-dining table with two comfortable chairs can make the space feel intimate, and it doesn’t take up that much space. You can choose it to your liking if you prefer modern, rustic or in between.  Think About your Lighting Options  Lighting is so important to help create a warm and inviting space. A great floor lamp or a simple set of string lights can add a nice glow to your dining area.   If you’re able to, I would love the idea of installing a pendant light above the table as well.  Use Rug To Define Space  Add some seasonal greenery or flowers. A geometric rug in neutral tones will ground a black dining room and contrast the heavy pattern of your living room.  Try to keep the rug color the same as your kitchen floor for a seamless blending. This also creates a focal point, which is where all the cooking and cleaning will go on.  Sometimes, less is more when it comes to a beautiful black dining room.  Add Personal Touches  Stop searching for the perfect inspiration from the latest AD. Just do what feels right to keep it cozy!  Make the space your own with personal decorations. A small gallery wall with your favorite photos, a vase of fresh flowers, or a few candles can add a homey feel to your dining area. These touches make the space uniquely yours, even in a rental.  Keep it Functional  Lastly, make sure your dining space works for you. When space is tight, use furniture that can serve double duty. For example, a bench with built-in storage or a table that you can fold & move out of the way when not needed.  There you have it – an inviting and cozy eating space in your apartment.   A place where you can enjoy meals, put your feet up, and recharge as you immerse yourself in your home sweet home.  Final Notes!  Even though the kitchen wins many people’s hearts, the dining area will always be a special place in the home. As seen above, the simplicity and minimalism that a modern dining design calls for taking.   Different forms. These are a slew of tips you can incorporate to give your dining area a modern feel.  Remember to go for designs that complement one another to give your room a seamless pattern. If you remember these things and find the right design combo, you should be good to go.   Have fun and happy redesigning!   Read Also: Ideas to Give Luxury Feel to Your Condo How to Make your Home Look Beautiful in the Upcoming Holidays 5 Tips For Designing a Tiny House How You Can Choose the Ideal Ceiling Light for Your Living Area

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