Home is the most important part of our daily life. Likewise, Windows and doors are part and parcel of the same home. Everything is relatable. After years of ownership, you may feel like replacing your windows for a better outlook of your home or may feel like renovating your entire house. We sometimes may take the windows for granted and only think about changing the color or the décor of the house to give a new feel to it. Among everything, it does not maintain a comfortable place to reside. There are some invisible barriers which are fragile and can be broken in just a few amounts of force.
Once you have already planned for changes, try and calculate the cost for new windows. The new set of windows may be tricky and can include a lot of money. The cost of replacement of a window is quite high in the city; if you are up for the latest trend and design then it is pretty costly for you to get the best replacement in cheaper amount. What important is the affordable, available and trendy brands who can give you a good product at a reasonable rate?
Is your Window Frame Decaying?
Yes, with years of ignorance, the wooden window panes, as well as the iron ones, do get rotten or get rusted due to damage or insect and moisture from the weather. On account of being soft, there is some amount of cracking or tearing that can occur. You should check for the signs if these instances arise.
As compared to wooden frames, a vinyl frame is easier and much more affordable. In addition, in terms of durability, a vinyl frame is sturdier and will last longer. On the contrary, if you are looking for wooden frames, it is definitely much more expensive than vinyl ones. If you can’t maintain the wood then better not to go for such windows and doors.
Different types of window
Windows should be designed or preferred based on climatic preferences. There is each of the windows have their own set of attributes.
Double-hung windows are cost best dollars, based on the quality of glass and the types of frame. The options are although endless, it’s just you have to find the right one.
The double-hung windows are majorly designed to be opened from the bottom to the top. There are some great for hand to reach areas, which are generally inexpensive. There are traits which make double, hung windows which are mainly installed in type.
How much are the tilt-out windows?
The tilt-out, tile, and turn or the tilting window costs are on an average between a lot of dollars. There is a smaller tilting type of various glass block windows and other applications. The glass exterior of the window area is to be cleaned on a regular basis. There are certain types of the window which have exterior accessibility and are limited. Such windows are much expensive than any other standard of double-hung windows.
How does the labor affect of window replacement costs?
The window replacement labor charges are variable. The cost per project depends on the type of window as well as the size of the window. If you notice the standard side of the window includes the frames for the wooden and vinyl frames. If the window has diverse style and patterns then the worker may charge more.
The type of window glass required for the contribution of the energy bill is also impactful. The geographical location of the house and the windows should be placed in a perfect way. Tinted glass windows are good for reducing the sun glares and even the harmful rays of the sun. It is better to keep it slightly colored for a much better view.
Windows and doors are replaceable only if you have a sound plan to opt for the perfect outlook. It is recommended that you should hire professional window replacement labors to avoid additional hidden charges which the local labors change occasionally. Choose and install the best one for you and make the best outlook of your house.
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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.
Read Also:
How to Harvest Lettuce: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fresh and Crispy Salads
Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!
Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?
The beauty of gardening is to see your seedlings grow into healthy beautiful plants. Some of the plants we grow in our homes have natural meanings attached to them while others we grow them to remind us of something special. Money tree which is also known as Pachira aquatic is a tree grown to symbolize prosperity and good luck. The money tree can grow up to 60 feet tall when it naturally grows outdoor, but when we decide to domesticate it, we limit its growth to 6 or 7 feet tall. There natively grow in South, and Central American swamps and you can determine the age of the tree by its size.
In many customs of the world, the tree is linked to prosperity and positivity. It creates a positive aura that allows for economic benefits to flow into the family. However, caring and doing regular maintenance can become difficult for normal human beings and families. This is why a good idea is to opt for growing trees with Tree Service Stockton. They are professionals who can take care of everything from planting to regular pruning and fertilizers. This will ensure that your money tree will always be healthy.
Image of money tree that symbolizes prosperity
How to grow a money plant can be easy, but how to take care of the five trunks braided tree can be a challenge. The braided trunk is a symbol of a lock that locks in your prosperity and good luck. Here are tips on how to take care of a money tree:
Where to Grow
A smaller pot is preferred for the growth of your money tree because it regulates the growth of your tree and also controls water and fertilizer. Big pots make it easy for you to overwater the plant. Your pot should have a proper drainage system and if you suspect that’s not the case then drill more holes at the bottom of your pot. DynaPOT 2 Gallon Garden Planting Aeration Fabric Container is a nice choice because it is eco-friendly and has a perfect drainage system.
Also, place your tree in a place with indirect light because direct sunlight makes the leaves vulnerable to scorching. However, if you notice that the leaves are turning yellow or withering then expose them to more light because that is an indication of light deficiency. Fluorescent light can do the magic if you are growing the tree inside your house or at the office.
Glossy and healthy leaves of Pachira aquatic
Money tree grows well in moderate to high humid regions that why they mostly grow in South and Central America. When you domesticate the plant regulate the humidity at about 50% and above. Wet pebbles are a great way of maintaining humidity for your plant all you need to do is place the pot on a basin with wet pebbles. Also, you have to retain the room temperature around 16-25°C. When there is no enough humidity in the room the plant will respond by turning its leaves dry crispy.
Read also:
5 Essential Tips To Designing A Beautiful Front Yard Garden
Fertilizer and Watering
When it comes to domesticating the money tree, you get a challenge of water and fertilizer ratio and how often you should add them to the plant. This tree needs moist soil but not wet to grow well. So you will need to water it after 7-10 days or when you notice that the top 3-4 inches of the soil are dry. Then thoroughly water your plant until water comes from the drainage system, but you have to avoid watering up to the trunk because the stem may start to rot. However, you have to cut down on water during winter because the growth is slow at this time of the year. When you see the leaves of your plants turning yellow, and you have put them in the right lighting condition then it may be an indicator or overwatering your plant.
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How to grow and care for your money tree
During spring and summer, you can add water-soluble fertilizer that is diluted by half after every two weeks. Whether you want to use an organic or inorganic fertilizer that’s a personal choice that does not have a significant impact on the plant. The Grow More 5010 All Purpose Fertilizer 20-20-20 is a multi-purpose fertilizer that contains all the micro and macronutrients your tree will need for healthy growth.
Read also:
Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality?
Pruning and Shaping
Pruning is one of the easiest steps when it comes to taking care of your money plant. You can use a clean pair of scissors or prune shears to remove yellow or damaged leaves and also side branches that could disrupt the braiding process. The pruning process is usually done during spring and summer to allow the plant to produce new leaves.
Image of a well braided Pachira aquatic
Do the braiding (shaping) of the money tree while the plant is still young and flexible. In the wild nature takes its course and braids the tree at a particular stage. Continue braiding the tree as it grows and ties a knot at the end of the braid to secure it.
Repotting
As the tree grows the roots also grow, and that’s why it is recommended that you report your plant after every two years. However, when the tree has reached your desired size, you can just report in the same sized pot with fresh soil. Mix your soil with peat moss to help in retaining moisture and sand to help in drainage. Avoid moving the plant too much because it gets shocked and responds by losing leaves or leaves turning yellow.
How to Propagate
Propagation should be done during spring because the growth rate is at its peak during this season. Chose a stem that contains not less than two leaf nodes. Sanitize a pair of scissors or pruning shears and chop off the stem then place it in a hormone rooting powder. When you the stem is well-soaked place it in a well moist pot mix. Give it time because it takes several weeks to start rooting.
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How to propagate money tree
It is easier to take care of your money tree if you know the favored conditions and how to troubleshoot any problems. The Pachira aquatic gives out various signs if they are not satisfied with the conditions that you place them. The soil that you plant your tree in is critical because it needs to have the ability to retain moisture throughout. Like most plants, the money plant is prone to aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects which will affect their growth. How to get rid of mealybugs can be a bit hectic if they infest your garden but you can use systemic insect control to treat your plant in case you notice the infestation.
If you are an avid tomato grower you're probably envious of all the different varieties that other growers talk about, but that you can't find transplants for in your area. In many cases, those growers are growing tomatoes from seed.
Growing tomatoes from seed really isn't that difficult, as long as you understand a few basic things. Well, I will walk you through this process below. Read on.
Why is it necessary to start tomato seeds early?
Tomato seeds planted in the garden won't germinate until the ground is warm enough. What's the ideal ground temperature? They germinate best at temperatures in the 70-80 degree range.
If you plant seeds directly into the ground, odds are the summer will be too short for tomatoes to become productive before the end of the growing season unless you live in one of the warmest climates in the US.
The days to harvest number that is on a packageof tomato seeds assumes that you are using transplants.
To decide if your area is warm enough to plant directly in the ground, add 30-50 days to that number. So if it says 90 days you would need 120-140 days of temperatures above 70 degrees to get your first ripe tomato if you plant the seeds in the ground!
When should I start my seeds?
Most people who are growing tomatoes from seed start 4 6 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in their area. You need to wait to plant the seedlings outdoors about 2 weeks after that date when the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees.
The date you start growing tomatoes from seed can vary depending on the space you have available and the length of your growing season.
First, you need to gather some important items:
Containers: Start with clean, sterile containers to grow your tomato transplants in.Your local garden center or big box store should have seed starting kits that consist of a black plastic tray with peat pots or plastic inserts and a clear plastic dome cover that fits over the top.
If you're only starting a few seeds, you may want to just plant them in paper or foam cups with holes punched in the bottoms.
Many of us like to save money and reuse flats or recycle containers like plastic milk jugs for starting seeds. This is fine as long as you wash them thoroughly and then sanitize in a 10% bleach solution (1 cup bleach in 10 cups of water).
Note: Be sure whatever container you use has drainage holes in the bottom so that excess water can drain out.
Lights: You cannot grow a healthy transplant without proper light. Even a sunny, south-facing window is not really adequate. Using a led grow light or fluorescent light on a timer that it is on for 12 hours and then off for 12 hours, will ensure that when you are growing tomatoes from seed your plants get all the light they need to grow properly.
You will need to plan a way to raise the lights so that the top leaves of the plants are 2- 3î below the lights. One method is to use a wire shelving unit. The chain that comes with a fluorescent shop light works perfectly to hang it from the shelf above your plants.
Growing Media: Use fresh, sterile germination mix labeled for seed starting. These mixes are usually peat-based and do not contain garden soil.
Tip: More than 50% of people who are growing tomatoes from seed for the first time lose their seedlings to damping-off disease. This fatal disease can literally wipe out your seedlings overnight. Starting with sterile containers and soil mix will greatly decrease the chance of your seedlings becoming infected.
Read also: How To Choose The Right Containers For Your Container Garden
Growing tomatoes from seed are the only way to have the very best tasting and old fashioned heirloom varieties which are not usually available as nursery started plants.
Read also: Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality?
