5 Essential Tips to Designing a Beautiful Front Yard Garden

Front yard garden

Over the years, the perception of gardening has changed from the traditional method of tilling a patch in the backyard for fruits and vegetables to more sophisticated types of gardening. Front yard gardening is steadily taking root in the suburbs as homeowners strive to decorate their front yards with more than hydrangeas in the flower bed.

Needless to say, front yard gardening adds aesthetic value to the property and not just for you but your neighbors as well. In open-plan neighborhoods, exposed front yards call for constant admiration or scrutiny from neighbors who may get upset if they do not approve of what is in your yard.

If you are confused about which plants will be able to uplift the aesthetics of the garden you can always count on experts in the industry. Home and property owners can get a mix of plants selected by Tree Service Roseville that are not only pleasant to look at, but also require low maintenance. This will help you keep your garden in top shape and be appreciated by everyone that visits the same.

5 Essential Tips to Designing a Beautiful Front Yard Garden

An unsightly front yard is likely to hurt your neighbor’s property as well. For instance, if he is trying to sell his home, open house visits with potential buyers will not go well if there are overgrown bushes right next door. Some neighborhood associations go as far as stipulating guidelines on what is allowed in the front yard. If you are contemplating starting a garden in your front yard, read on for useful tips.

CR1. Determine Size of the Garden

How much land you allocate for your front garden is dependent on the size of your front yard; you cannot extend your garden to the neighbor’s property. Consider other activities that go on your front yard, for instance, parking vehicles, a playpen for young children, and so on.

Read also: 3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How To Design

Planting beds can be horizontal, along with the width of the house, or vertical from the house to the sidewalk to the fence. Leave enough space for a walkway so that people can access the home with ease without the risk of stepping on plants or getting their shoes muddy from dirt.

2. Select Mix of Plants

Once you know how much land is available, identify a plant. Since front yard gardens are meant to enhance the look of your home, avoid monotony in one crop. Try a mix of different plants that will look great when they grow and plants that do not compete for nutrients.

You also need suitable methods of nourishing your plants to give them the best chance of survival. Applying fertilizer and compost will greatly boost the nutrient content of the soil. Whatever plants you settle for, they should not block the view of the street-facing windows as this will block natural sunlight from gracing your living room or kitchen.

Bushy plants with overgrown foliage look unsightly and are likely to mar the look of your front yard. Drop by your local garden store and find the best pole saw for trimming excess foliage to maintain the desired look and avoid harboring pests.

3. Establish Order

While growing a variety of plants in your front yard is encouraged, do not get carried away. Planting too many species affects the appearance of the landscape making looks like different patches of land with no cohesion. This type of mess is best moved to the backyard away from the prying eye of onlookers.

Read also: How to make a perfect summer retreat from your backyard

Gardening experts recommend five to ten species of perennials, three to five shrubs and if you like, add two varieties of trees. Before making a decision, investigate what types of plants thrive in the climatic conditions of your area.

4. Regular Maintenance

Having a front yard garden demands your full attention. You cannot afford to ignore drooping leaves, weak stems, or an insect infestation. Establish a maintenance routine that works well with your other responsibilities such as work or taking care of the family.

Regardless of your schedule, there are important activities that must be done on a regular basis and sometimes daily. For instance, watering, trimming bushes, weeding, etc. You can choose to do this in the evening after work or if you are too busy, enlist the services of a gardener during the day.

5. Year-Round Gardening

When starting a front garden, you want your plants to grow throughout as opposed to only a few months of the year. While not all plants can do well in the dead of winter or the sweltering heat of summer, you can count on evergreen trees and shrubs.

Planting trees in your garden provide a natural fence around your property and trees provide natural shade for smaller plants. A reasonable amount of shade helps to control evaporation in the hotter months of the year

A front yard garden may be the solution you have been looking for since you purchased your home. Gardening is an ideal alternative to mowing the lawn and running sprinklers all day. You do not have to do it all by yourself; involve the rest of the family for some added fun.

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Top Roofing Tips

Top Roofing Tips

Are you looking for the most roof care tips? Here you will learn about roof care tips including, repair, installation, and maintenance. Although your roof may be designed to protect your home for long years (say 10-15 years), you need to inspect your roof every year. It will help you remain calm and relax that you are living under a safe roof.In this article, you will learn some valuable tips from the Minnesota roofing company. These tips ensure the safety and comfort of your home. Roofing Tips You can apply the following tips on your own. However, you may need expert assistance or hire a roofing agency like A to Z Construction to repair your roof. Think About Your Safety First Whenever you find that there is a leak on your roof, don’t rust to find it out. Being on the roof when it is raining is not the right way. It can be dangerous to walk on the roof to find a leak while raining, or there is ice buildup on your roof.Have patience and wait until the rain stops. A temporary fix if the leak is not a solution; keep in mind that there is no quick fix for a roof leak. So, you shouldn’t meddle on the roof as soon as a leak happens. Think about your safety and take precautions before you go to spot the leak.Wear a rubber shoe when you're going to find a leak on your roof. Don’t work alone; take help from a buddy when you’re on the roof.Clean Gutters and Spray the Roof Usually, gutters are a common reason for a leak. If your gutters are not clean and clogged with leaves and debris, that can be a reason for leaks during rain. So, you should first clear the gutters.The next step is to spray various areas of the roof to locate the leak. You can spray water on your roof with your garden hose. If it's winter, though, you shouldn't spray water. Since it's not safe to spray water on your roof when it's freezing outside, you can wait until the winter is over. Prevent Ice Buildup Ice buildup is a common problem in the wintertime. You cannot do anything about the ice buildup in the exterior area, such as the roof membrane, gutter, and shingles. However, you can prevent ice buildup in the interior.For that, you should use ice and rain shields along with proper ventilation. Ice buildup in the interior causes drips inside your home. Also, you can use an edge drip to prevent this problem. Fix Your Roof Boots Another major problem for leakage is your roof boots. It’s common that we check the flash, skylights, roofs, and gutters for finding any possible leakages. Another thing that most people miss is the rubber roof boots.So, you should also check the roof boots if there is any leak. If you find any defect in the roof boot, you can quickly fix it by purchasing a new one from a local store. Inspect Your Roofing Material Sometimes your roofing material and shingles can be of low quality or faulty, which may cause leakage soon. So, you should check the roofing material too. Always use good quality material on your roof. Since the roof is one of the most important parts of your home, you should use the standard quality material with high longevity. Final Words These are some of the common roofing tips to protect your home from leakage. However, you should consult a reputed roofing agency if you think that you cannot handle it on your own. Do proper research and ask for referrals before you choose a roofing agency. More Resources:Professional Roofing Services and Different Decorating Styles Choosing the right roof for your home – Types to select from Roofing Painting Contractor Leads: Ask Before Hiring One

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how to harvest spinach

How to Harvest Spinach the Right Way: A Step-by-Step Guide 

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 HealthSpinach 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 PressureSpinach 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 HealthSpinach 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 SystemSpinach 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.DigestionSpinach 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 HairSpinach 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 GrowingOne 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 harvestThe 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 leavesYou 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 leavesYou 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 fromIt 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-pollinationSpinach 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 seedsYou 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 seedsIt 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 rawYou 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 blanchedYou 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 varietyThere 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 seedlingsWhen 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 leavesDepending 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 cuisineSpinach 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 cuisineSpinach 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 cuisineSpinach 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 SaladsEverything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?

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Home Maintenance

Home Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Home In Good Condition

Owning a home includes a good deal of responsibility.Homeowners have dozens of minor tasks they need to keep up with if they want to avoid paying for costly repairs. With adequate preparation, though, the many maintenance tasks required of homeowners can be performed easily without taking up too much time.Read on to find brief checklists for monthly and seasonal tasks that will make it easier to stay on top of everything.Spring Maintenance ChecklistWinter can wreak havoc on a home, and everyone looks forward to using spring as a time to get outside and away from the house, but homeowners should take care of a few things first.For example, spring is the best time to handle major projects like scheduling roofing services and repairs to address any damage done during the winter. Most homeowners also find that a small amount of work early in the season can help them prevent some extra hassles when summer approaches. Be sure to tackle the following.Spring cleaning, both inside the home and in the yard.Tree inspections to find signs of damage from winter storms.Reseeding and fertilizing the lawn.Properly servicing and storing seasonal equipment from winter, such as snow blowers.Conducting a full inspection of the home's exterior, including its roof, gutters, and paint.Giving the house a quick scrub.Cleaning the deck or patio.Opening the pool for summer.Summer Maintenance ChecklistGetting the bulk of the major landscaping and exterior maintenance or repairs done in the spring gives homeowners more time to enjoy the summer. That said, they'll still need to take care of a few things regularly, including the following items. Turning on the sprinklers for the season once the rain ends.Mowing the lawn and weeding the garden every week.Keeping the pool clean by scrubbing it twice a month and checking chemical levels weekly.Completing weekend home improvement projects while the weather is nice.Fall Maintenance ChecklistJust like spring brings a lot of work with it because it represents the changing of the seasons, fall home maintenance requires a lot of advanced planning for the winter months ahead. Important tasks to remember include the following.Planting perennial flowers, trees, and shrubs.Harvesting annual plants.Raking leaves.Cleaning gutters.Turning off the sprinkler system.Stacking firewood for winter.Cleaning, closing, and covering the pool.Winter Maintenance ChecklistMost modern families hunker down for the winter and don't worry too much about home improvement projects. However, there are some maintenance issues that must be handled in the early winter. They include these items.Preparing the snowblower for the season.Stocking up on ice melt and other supplies.Coming up with a plan for dealing with ice dams.Checking the emergency generator to make sure it's in good working order.Monthly Maintenance ChecklistNot all home maintenance tasks are seasonal. Some must be performed every month of the year. They include the following elements.Changing HVAC filters.Inspecting major home systems.Checking the plumbing system for damage.Restocking cleaning supplies.Checking and cleaning gutters.Performing a full walk-through of the property.Know When to Hire a ProBasic home maintenance tasks are easy enough to perform for someone with a DIY mindset. However, major repairs and renovations are best left to professionals. This is particularly true of projects like roof maintenance, plumbing repairs, and major landscape changes.Read Also:Cleaning Your Home with Pets – The Most Common ProblemsHome Maintenance Plans And Cleaning Tips During Covid-19Some Facts You Need to Know About Rainwater Harvesting

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