Published on: 25 January 2021
Last Updated on: 24 December 2024
There is nothing that beats the taste of a freshly picked tomato from your garden compared to produce that is bought from a grocery store. Growing your vegetables in the comfort of your garden is one of the activities that balance indulgence and practicality. Aside from the convenience, growing your vegetables allows you to get more nutrition as well.
Vegetables start to lose their nutrients the moment they are harvested, and their quality decreases as sugars will turn into starches. Hence, if you are aiming for veggies with the best nutrition, try growing your own. That being said, here are a few of the best vegetables that are best to grow in your garden.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a vegetable that is renowned for its red firm stalk and sour taste. Like celery, it is edible, especially when you add a lot of sugar to it. Although it is technically a vegetable, it is commonly used in sweet and tart recipes. There are also different types of rhubarb that you may choose to grow for personal consumption.
Rhubarb best grows in well-draining and fertile soil that is abundant in organic matter. Constant moisture is necessary, but it doesn’t like too much wetness. These plants spread out; therefore, it should be placed 3-4 feet apart from each other when planting. It does not contain a lot of essential nutrients, but it is an excellent source of vitamin K1.
Tomatoes
Fresh, homegrown tomatoes are one of the few reasons many gardeners decide to get into gardening. Nothing could match eating a perfectly ripe tomato from your backyard. It is also unbelievably good for us, with it being rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, niacin, fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, and the antioxidant lycopene.
Tomatoes are ideal for growers with small balconies or gardens as they do not require too much space to grow. They typically take 12 weeks until they can be harvested. Aside from this very speedy growing period, its plant can produce tomatoes daily for up to six years. It would be best to watch out for tomato horns as these large caterpillars can be a problem.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable that belongs to the cole crop family along with kohlrabi, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. It grows best during the cold season of the year. It is known to be high in vitamins A, B6, C, magnesium, calcium, and iron. As a matter of fact, a cup of raw broccoli gives 130 percent of a person’s regular vitamin C requirement.
Broccoli is best to grow during early spring and fall and can be set in an in-ground garden or container. Place these plants 18 inches apart from each other. You may also want to get a location that has fertile soil and has easy access to water. A moisturized soil is also best for broccoli, therefore water it for 1 to 1.5 inches every week.
Red Bell Pepper
Most of the gardeners would agree that every time they planned their vegetable garden, one of the plants they want to include is a bell pepper. Who would not? Peppers are great in all types of dishes, cooked and raw. Red bell peppers are high in vitamins A, B6, C, riboflavin, and potassium. You may want to take note that a cup of it contains 93% of the required vitamin A and 317% of vitamin C daily allowance.
Although growing this vegetable is not as problematic compared to other plants, temperature plays an important role. They may be easy to grow, but its plant care, especially in the early stages, is crucial. Bell peppers flourish in warm seasons, and it is vital to be sure that the chance of frost in your area is long gone since frost might hinder pepper growth.
Beets
Beets are one of the vegetables that can grow quickly and do not require you to wait long before you can harvest them. Apart from its roots, you can also eat its green tops, making it a dual-purpose crop. Young beets can be added to a salad, while the larger ones can be sauteed as a side dish. Beetroots are very rich in vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
Beets are the best option for northern gardeners as they can survive near-freezing temperatures and frost. For beginners, it is best to look for bolt-resistant, especially in warm weather. You can also start harvesting them once they are about the size of a tennis or golf ball as larger roots may be woody and tough.
Takeaway
Growing and maintaining your vegetable garden may seem overwhelming to some people, but it is easier than it sounds. Even if you only have a small garden, you may still be able to grow the vegetables we provided in this article. Additional guides can also be found all over the internet.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
How long does celery last? Do you know about Deadheading Petunias? Celery lasts for as long as any other quick expiring ingredient in the recipe. Many individuals consume celery stalks, but the leaves are also beneficial and edible. They make an excellent addition to soups and stir-fries.
You can find celery seeds either in extract form, whole seed form, or ground up, with its impressive health benefits. In many parts of the universe, people grow this plant because of its beneficial seeds. When you crash them, you can use the seeds as a spice because it contains a unique oily compound called apiol. The spice is good for providing flavor and also has medicinal benefits.
Celery facts:
Celery has a cholesterol-lowering power that makes it useful for maintaining heart health. The seeds contain a unique compound called BuPh that has lipid-lowering properties. However, researchers believe that this plant contains many other beneficial compounds that are still under research.
In a recent study, rats feeding on celery continuously for eight weeks recorded lower lipid levels in their blood compared to those that did not feed on celery. This group of rats also experienced reduced serum cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Celery also contains polysaccharides and antioxidants that act as anti-inflammatories, especially polyphenol and flavonoid antioxidants. They support the overall health of individuals as they age by fighting free radical damage that causes inflammation. Inflammation causes chronic diseases like heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and much more.
Researchers have come up with several antioxidant types from celery which is beneficial like ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and phenolic acid, as well as flavors like quercetin. These acids make celery the right solution for treating inflammatory conditions like joint pain, liver and kidney infection, gout, irritable bowel syndrome, skin disorders, and urinary tract infection.
When you consume celery, and you have high blood pressure, the risk of high blood pressure reduces. These seeds help in controlling the chronic levels of blood pressure. The seeds contain aqueous ethanolic, methanolic, and hexane extracts that lower inflammation improves blood circulation, and help in controlling blood pressure.
These seeds also help in reducing bloating and boosting digestion with the aid of the NBP oily compound that contributes to detoxifying the body. The digestive benefits result from its diuretic effect. If you want to lose weight, consuming celery is vital because it has vital nutrients that help in regulating lipid metabolism.
How do you prune Deadheading petunias blooms?
Many garden tips will guide you on how to deadhead petunia. You need to allow your flowers to start blooming. You need to wait until the plant spends about six hours in the sun and are full of blooms. Once the flower starts dying, it is the right time to deadhead. You will also have to get a sharp pair of scissors and pruning shears. Give the plant a sharp cut when you use scissors. You will then have to pick the petunia stem gently with many blooms. You need to aim at the area that contains the most spent blooms and cut with your shears. Even though you need to cut back healthy sections of the plant to encourage new growth of Deadheading Petunias, pruning your plant extends your season of growth and helps produce more blooms.
It is recommended that you prune one stem per week on a small plant and eight stems for the large hanging basket. Regular pruning will help you avoid pruning the whole plant at once. On some occasions, you will have to prune a healthy-looking bloom so that the plant looks healthy for an extended period. If you cannot do it on a weekly basis, it is advisable to wait for the mid-summer season to make it bloom for long. You need to keep fertilizing Deadheading Petunias every two weeks.
Read also:
Smart Fun Gardening: How To Take Care Of A Money Tree
5 Good Luck Plants That Deserves A Place In Your Home
A burglary occurs every 18 seconds in the United States. These statistics are scary! Even safe neighborhoods experience crime from time to time, so you need to be prepared. The good news is that there are several ways you can go about making your home safe. Some may require that you purchase equipment while others may not. The more you can thwart a burglar's plans the safer your home will be.
Tips that will Help you to Keep your >H>ome >Safe</span>
When thinking about improving overall safety, do not forget to follow the following tips.
1. Change Your Locks:
Did you just buy a new home?
Don’t be so excited to get the keys that you forget to change all the locks. No matter how wholesome the previous homeowners may seem, you never know who is unscrupulous and who isn’t.
You also never know who they may have given a key to in the past. It could have been a distant relative, a nanny, a house cleaner, or a handyman, to name a few.
The point is, you don’t know if a shady character doesn’t have a copy of the keys to your new home. The best thing to do is to hire a locksmith to change the locks.
2. Get An Alarm System:
Sure, you may not want your home to feel like a high-security vault, but it is never a bad idea to be prepared for the worst.
There are literally dozens of safety systems you can choose from. This makes it more likely that you will find something that is within your budget.
There are also some security systems that you can install yourself. However, if you do get a high-tech security system the security company will have to install it for you.
Once you have installed your security system, put a security sign in your front yard or place security signs on your windows to deter criminals.
If you think that an advanced security system is something you will not be able to afford, you can always go for robust roller shutters.
Roller Shutter People are leading installers in Sydney that states that installing these on windows and doors can be a simple, yet time-tested and effective way to keep burglars out of your house and maintain safety.
3. Vacation Wisely:
Criminals like to target homes when people go on vacation. Protect your home when you are away by setting timers on your television and your lights.
These timers make it easy for you to have your lights and your television on at specific times. When criminals think someone is home, they are deterred from committing crimes.
4. Get Smart:
These days you can monitor your home from anywhere using smart security cameras. Some of these cameras are so tiny the average person might miss them, and you can control them from your smartphone or tablet.
Smart lights should also be a major part of your security plan because you can turn them on or off whether you are just down the road or in another country.
5. Exercise Mail Control To Keep Your Home Safe:</strong>
If you are going to be away for a while, then it is usually a good idea to get a friend or neighbor to take your mail and any delivered packages off your front porch at least once per day.
If your front porch or doorway is flooded with mail, it is a dead giveaway to criminals that no one is home.
You can also go to your local post office in Gainesville FL and explain that you will be away for a while and ask them to hold all your mail.
6. Rethink Your Landscape :
Did you know that the landscape edging of your home can either deter or attract criminals?
Overgrown bushes and untrimmed hedges can provide places for thieves to hide so that neighbors and passersby cannot spot them.
Trim bushes and hedges to at least three feet in height. Plant thorny bushes near your windows with gravel nearby so that it is easier to hear footsteps.
The more you can make it difficult for criminals to gain entry, the more secure your home will be.
7. Motion Detector Lighting:
Motion detector lighting shines the spotlight brightly on anyone who may try to get onto your premises. As soon as an intruder moves so does the light.
You should install motion detector lights at the back and the front of your home, for added protection you can add them to the sides as well.
One of the many benefits of this kind of lighting is that it saves energy since it is only activated when it detects motion.
8. Get A Video Doorbell:
You can get a video doorbell to keep your home secure. A video doorbell will let you see who is at your door before you open it.
Astonishingly enough, many thieves ring your doorbell to get a feel for who is home or not before attempting a burglary. A doorbell camera will give you the upper hand should a thief decide to rob you.
Installing Rodann door chimes is also another security feature you can use. The chimes will alert you when anyone is within a certain distance from your door.
9. Get A Dog:
With all the high-tech security systems mentioned so far, getting a dog may seem like a low-tech way to safeguard your home from intruders. However, if you can get a dog then do so, since burglars tend to avoid homes with dogs.
When a thief wants to rob a home, they want to be in and out as quickly as possible, and a barking dog attracts too much attention and is an unnecessary complication.
10. Watch What You Post On Social Media:
Social media has become a place where you can share the daily happenings of your life with family, friends, and neighbors.
However, if you go on vacation or are away for a weekend, it is not a good idea to announce your absence from home on social media.
This is especially true if you don’t know everyone in your network. Announcing you are away and posting pictures of your getaway is an announcement for anyone with bad intentions.
Literally telling them that you will be far away , and they should break into your home.
Top Safety Measures in a Rented Place
New job, and new rented house!
Everything is exciting about such a prospect, but how to ensure the utmost safety in a new place & home.
Moving into a new rented apartment can be an exciting time with new opportunities and a fresh start in life.
While you are excitedly packing and planning, taking stock of your security is essential when moving into another person’s property.
Here are seven safety tips to keep you safe during this transition.
Locks
Don’t forget to lock all the doors on your first day of entering your new home or apartment. Additionally, never assume that previous tenants have returned all sets of keys.
So, if needed, get the locks changed upon consulting with your landlord.
Smoke Detectors
Next, test the smoke detectors. You might assume they work, but never leave this to chance.
Press the test button on each detector to ensure they function properly. If you don’t hear a sound, replace the batteries or request your landlord to do so. Safety from fire hazards is non-negotiable.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
While you’re at it, check for carbon monoxide detectors, too. Not all places have them installed, but they’re lifesavers—literally.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, and having a detector can alert you to any dangerous leaks. Consider purchasing a portable unit if your new home doesn’t have one.
Check Windows
Another important thing to do is to check the windows. They should open and close easily. You will also want to ensure that they have locks on them as well.
In case of an emergency, such as a fire, you will need a quick and easy way out of your apartment. If you live on the ground floor, being able to lock your windows is important for safety reasons.
Lighting your Outside
You should also make sure that everything outside the apartment is well-lit. If something seems too dim or amiss, then tell your landlord about this right away.
If there are any lights outside, ask your landlord to replace them or put in some more lights. These include spotlights upon entrances or even motion sensor lights around corners.
Know your Area
Finally, get to know your surroundings. Spend some time walking around, getting acclimated with the neighborhood, and pinpointing any places that might not seem safe, specifically at night.
Get to know your neighbors, as they can give you the lowdown on both the area and potential safety issues.
By doing these in the process of moving, your new rental will truly be a sweet home right off the bat. So you’ll feel better about unpacking those piles of boxes.
Hopefully these tips will help you feel more secure in your new place!
If you would like more lifestyle tips, please visit our website. You are sure to find helpful tips for making your life better.
Read Also :
5 Tips To Safeguard Your Home From Intruders
5 Ways A Home Maintenance Plan Can Prevent Disaster
Relax In Style In The Comfort Of Your Homes
Lemongrass is a tropical herb that has a fresh and citrusy flavor and aroma. It is one of the most essential herb that is people widely use in Asian cuisines. They especially use it in Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian dishes. It is also a popular ingredient in teas, soups, curries, salads, and marinades. Lemongrass has many health benefits, such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and relieving stress.
But did you know that you can grow and harvest your own lemongrass at home? Yes, you can! Lemongrass is easy to grow and maintain, and can thrive in pots, containers, or gardens. You can enjoy fresh and organic lemongrass all year round, and save money and time from buying it at the store.
In this article, I will show you how to harvest lemongrass, and share some tips and tricks for growing and using this versatile herb. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to harvest lemongrass, and how to make the most of this wonderful herb.
So, if that is something that you want to know, I have you covered! Keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Grow Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a wonderful herb that can add a refreshing and citrusy flavor to your dishes, drinks, and teas.
It is also a beautiful ornamental plant that can brighten up your garden with its tall, graceful stalks and fragrant leaves. Lemongrass is native to tropical regions, but you can grow it in cooler climates as well with some care and preparation.
Here are the steps and conditions for growing lemongrass successfully at home:
1. Choose a healthy lemongrass plant or stalk
You can buy a potted lemongrass plant from a nursery or garden center, or you can start your own from a fresh lemongrass stalk that you can find in most grocery stores or Asian markets. Look for a stalk that is firm, green, and has some roots at the base. Avoid any that are dry, brown, or moldy.
2. Prepare a sunny and warm spot for your lemongrass
Lemongrass loves full sun and heat, so choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a colder region, you can grow lemongrass in a container that you can move indoors during the winter.
Use a large pot with drainage holes and fill it with rich, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. You can also add some compost, manure, or leaf mold to improve the soil quality and fertility.
3. Plant your lemongrass in the soil
If you bought a potted plant, simply transplant it to the ground or a larger container, making sure to bury the roots well and leave some space between the stalks.
If you are starting from a stalk, peel off any dead or yellow leaves and trim the top part to about six inches.
Place the stalk in a glass of water and keep it in a sunny windowsill until roots start to grow, which can take a few weeks.
Then, plant the rooted stalk in the soil, leaving about two inches of the stem above the ground. Space the plants about two feet apart to allow them to spread
4. Water and fertilize your lemongrass regularly
Lemongrass needs moist soil to thrive, so water it frequently and deeply, especially during hot and dry periods.
A good rule of thumb is to water it once a week or whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry. You can also apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
Lemongrass also benefits from a monthly dose of liquid organic fertilizer during the growing season, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract. This will help it grow faster and produce more leaves and stalks.
5. Harvest and enjoy your lemongrass
You can start harvesting your lemongrass when the stalks are about a foot tall and half an inch thick. Cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving about two inches of the stem in the ground.
Additionally, you can use the whole stalk, or peel off the outer layers and use only the tender inner part. You can also harvest the leaves and use them fresh or dried for teas and infusions.
Lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also dry it and store it in an airtight container for later use.
How to Harvest Lemongrass?
Harvesting lemongrass is a simple and satisfying process that can be done in a few steps. Here are the basics of how to harvest lemongrass:
Choose the right time
The best time to harvest lemongrass is when the stalks are about 12 inches tall and 0.5 inches thick. This usually happens after 3 to 4 months of planting. You can harvest lemongrass throughout the year, as long as the temperature is above 40°F. You can also harvest lemongrass in batches, leaving some stalks to grow and regenerate.
Cut the stalks
To harvest lemongrass, you need a sharp knife or scissors, and a clean cutting board. Cut the stalks at the base, as close to the soil as possible. You can cut as many stalks as you need, or as many as you can use within a week. You can also trim off the leaves, as they are not edible and can be used for other purposes.
Wash and store the stalks
After cutting the stalks, wash them under running water, and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can store the stalks in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel, and placed in a plastic bag. They can last for up to a week. You can also freeze the stalks, chopped or whole, in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 6 months.
Dividing Lemongrass: What is It and How to Do It?
Dividing lemongrass is a great way to propagate and maintain this aromatic and flavorful herb. Lemongrass is a perennial plant that grows in clumps of stalks and leaves.
Over time, these clumps can become crowded, woody, and less productive. By dividing lemongrass, you can rejuvenate the plant, increase its yield, and share it with others.
Here are the steps and reasons for dividing lemongrass:
1. When to divide lemongrass?
The best time to divide lemongrass is in the spring, after the last frost date when the plant is actively growing and has new shoots.
You can also divide lemongrass in the fall if you live in a warm winter climate or if you plan to overwinter the divisions indoors.
Avoid dividing lemongrass in the summer, when the heat and drought can stress the plant and reduce its survival rate.
2. How to divide lemongrass?
To divide lemongrass, you must dig up the entire plant and separate it into smaller sections. You can use a shovel, a sharp knife, or your hands to do this.
Each section should have at least one inch of root and several healthy stalks and leaves attached.
You can trim the leaves to about six inches to reduce water loss and make the divisions easier to handle. Discard any old, brown, or damaged parts of the plant.
3. Where to plant lemongrass divisions?
You can plant lemongrass divisions in the same spot where you dug up the parent plant or in a new location with full sun, moist and well-drained soil, and plenty of organic matter.
You can also plant lemongrass divisions in containers at least 10 inches deep with drainage holes. Space the divisions about two feet apart to allow room for growth.
Plant the divisions at the same depth as they were before, with the crown just below the soil surface.
4. How to care for lemongrass divisions?
Lemongrass divisions need regular water and fertilizer to establish and thrive. Water them deeply and frequently, especially during the first few weeks and during hot and dry periods.
You can also apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Fertilize the plants once a month with a liquid organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, during the growing season.
Protect the plants from frost in the winter by moving them indoors or covering them with a frost cloth.
5. How to harvest and use lemongrass divisions?
You can start harvesting lemongrass divisions when they are about a foot tall and half an inch thick. Cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving about two inches of the stem in the ground. You can use the whole stalk, peel off the outer layers, and use only the tender inner part.
Additionally, you can also harvest the leaves and use them fresh or dried for teas and infusions. Lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also dry it and store it in an airtight container for later use.
How to Use Lemongrass in Food?
Lemongrass has a long, green stalk with a bulbous base and grassy leaves. It has a lemony taste with a hint of mint and ginger. Lemongrass can be used fresh, dried, or powdered, depending on the recipe and preference. Here are some ways related to how to use lemongrass in different ways:
Fresh lemongrass
Firstly, fresh lemongrass is the most aromatic and versatile form of lemongrass. You can find it in the produce section of most supermarkets, Asian markets, or online.
To prepare fresh lemongrass, you need to peel off the tough outer layers and trim off the root end and the top third of the stalk. You can use a sharp knife or scissors to do this. The part that you want to use is the pale and tender lower part of the stalk.
After that, you can slice it thinly, chop it finely, or bruise it with a pestle or the back of a knife. Slicing or chopping is good for salads, stir-fries, curries, and marinades, while bruising is good for soups, stews, and broths.
You can also make a paste by pounding or blending lemongrass with other ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, chilies, and cilantro.
A paste is great for adding flavor to meats, seafood, tofu, and rice. You can store fresh lemongrass in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.
Dried lemongrass
Secondly, dried lemongrass is less potent than fresh lemongrass but still has a nice, lemony flavor. You can buy it in whole or sliced form or dry your lemongrass by hanging the stalks in a warm and airy place until they are brittle.
Dried lemongrass is good for making teas, infusions, and herbal blends. You can also use it to flavor soups, stews, and broths, but you must soak it in hot water for about 20 minutes before adding it to the pot.
Additionally, you can store dried lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Powdered lemongrass
Lastly, powdered lemongrass is the most convenient form of lemongrass, as it does not require any preparation. You can buy it in spice shops, Asian markets, or online.
Powdered lemongrass has a mild and sweet flavor and can be used in baking, desserts, sauces, and dressings. You can also sprinkle it over salads, soups, and stir-fries for a touch of freshness.
The shelf life of powdered lemongrass is also great. For up to six months, you can store powdered lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.
How to Use Lemongrass in Other Things?
Apart from cooking, you can use lemongrass in many other ways. Some of the best and most popular uses of this herb are as follows:
Beautifying
You can use lemongrass to make your own beauty products, such as soap, lotion, or shampoo. You can infuse the stalks or the leaves with oil, such as coconut, olive, or almond oil.
Moreover, you can also add other ingredients, such as honey, aloe vera, or essential oils. You can use the products to cleanse, moisturize, or scent your skin and hair.
Healing
You can use lemongrass to treat various ailments, such as headaches, colds, or infections. You can inhale the steam from boiling the stalks or the leaves, or apply the oil to your temples, chest, or throat.
Additionally, you can also drink the tea, or gargle with the syrup. You can use the products to relieve pain, inflammation, or congestion.
Wrapping It Up!
If you want to know how to harvest lemongrass, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries about 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 bottom of the page. Then leave your suggestions and comments in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
Learn More About:
Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil
Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?
How to Harvest Spinach the Right Way: A Step-by-Step Guide
