Published on: 19 January 2019
Last Updated on: 09 August 2019
What Are Casters?
Casters are familiar to most people, though you may not know what they are called. Casters are a small set of wheels, usually found on a desk chair or some other piece of furniture. However, they have a whole host of alternative uses. Are casters and wheels the same thing? Not exactly.
Why Do People Use Casters?
Casters are primarily used for one reason: They make things easier to move. Heavy pieces of furniture will often be placed on casters because it is difficult for one person to move. With a good set of casters, even the heaviest objects can be moved with relative ease. Casters are not just used for heavy items, but also for items that have to be moved frequently, like a table on a patio.
Are There Different Types Of Casters?
Yes, there are many different types of casters. This might seem surprising for such a simple device, but a caster isn’t as simple as you may think. Most of you will be familiar with cheap plastic casters. As such, you probably know that it doesn’t take a whole lot to break them. That’s why they’re cheap. However, there are casters out there that can hold thousands of pounds worth of weight. It’s all a matter of design and materials.
All casters can be separated into one of two categories: Swivel or rigid. The names are pretty self-explanatory. A rigid caster will only roll in two directions, that being forward and backward. A swivel caster will pivot and roll in any direction. So, why would anyone use a rigid caster, you ask? Because they are usually stronger. In this case, it is a choice of durability vs. convenience. It is also important to know the difference between locking and non-locking casters. Locking casters can be held firmly in place by flipping a small lever. This is good for objects that require a little more stability, such as a cabinet that holds breakable objects. There are also specialty casters with all kinds of different features for specific purposes.
How Can I Use Casters In A DIY Project?
If you are building something that is likely to be moved on a regular basis, you might as well work that factor into the design by adding some casters. The first thing you need to do is figure out the approximate weight of the object that you are building. This will tell you how strong the casters will need to be.
If you don’t want to put casters on all your furniture, but you still want to move it around easily, you can find a supplier of material handling and storage equipment such as a cart or dolly. A simple square of wood with casters on it can do wonders to make moving heavy objects much easier. I recommend covering the cart surface with carpeting so that it doesn’t scuff the furniture or your walls.
If you have a large and heavy toolbox (as many of us do), you might consider putting some wheels on it. Naturally, these will need to be strong wheels. Don’t go with plastic or aluminum for this job, as only steel will be reliable enough for the serious weight.
Since we are thinking along these lines, here is a shortlist of some household objects that might benefit from the addition of some casters.
Chairs
Toolboxes
Medical Equipment
Washer/Dryer
Backup generator
Beds
Shelves
Wrapping Up
Casters can improve the mobility of many different DIY projects you might have already completed, or plan to do in the future. This can make many heavy objects in your home or garage much easier to move. If you wanted to reorganize a space or clean underneath or behind heavy items, casters can turn this difficult task into a simple one.
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Have you read a book since you graduated from school? Well, continuous learning is an ideal option for people who want to grow economically and mentally. Therefore, it’s essential to continue reading enlightening materials even after completing your exams.
If you do some research, you will notice some essential things that would help improve your work performance that you didn’t know about. Imagine a situation where you're provided with the learning material, including a video that you can use to increase your performance.
A coaching platform gives you access to virtual videos that can help you pick up subjects quite quick. The virtual practice allows you to acquire training on the areas that you missed.
For example, if you're a doctor and you lack certain clinical practices, you can use a coaching platform. You'll have the tips that you require and shown practical virtual videos to help you understand.
Reasons Why You Should Consider Continuous Learning via a Coaching Platform:
1. Business sustainability:
Hiring a new employee who has the skills that your current employee lacks is costly. However, if you train your existing team, your company will have better productivity. This way, you’ll be retaining your employees’ talent in addition to the new skills they gather from a coaching platform. This is especially important because your company has constantly fluctuating needs, and therefore, require new skills in conjunction with the preexisting skills.
2. Increase in team-spirit:
A group of people working together churns up better results as compared to people who work individually. Similarly, if you train your team together, they may understand the information differently but still work as a team to achieve the company's goal. Also, they will acquire leadership skills and know-how to deal with stressful situations as a team.
3. You are provided with resources:
A coaching platform gathers information based on individual team requirements. So, if you're a team of doctors who need to know how to clean a kidney before transplanting, you'll find information prepared specially for you. The same is true for the sales team. So, virtual practices are specifically designed to help teach you how to reach the goal that you're trying to achieve.
4. Provide room for innovation:
Business competition is growing rapidly. If you don't have innovative tips to help you stay at the top, other business will surpass your business, leaving it to fall or stagnate. However, if you enroll in a coaching platform, you'll learn practical innovation tips and effective methods of improving your business performance. This will lead to company prosperity.
5. Helps in decision-making and behavioral change:
Every day, you make decisions that influence the future outcome. Unfortunately, you'll find some managers making better decisions that lead to massive company growth. So, unless you learn the tips that will work for your company, you might fail. On the coaching platform, you'll learn how to make decisions if presented with a specific situation.
Also, it will help you change how you perceive and behave when presented with different situations.
Conclusion:
Knowledge is power. It's a propeller to better life performance. Therefore, ensure you book an online learning platform where your team will continually learn what is required to fill the business gap, thus, leading to prosperity.
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Kale is one of the most nutritious and versatile greens you can grow in your garden. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest kale throughout the year so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and also make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest kale so it keeps growing, how to harvest kale from the garden, how to store and freeze kale, and the health benefits and taste of kale. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow kale 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 kale harvest.
What is Kale & Why Should You Harvest It?
Kale has a mild, earthy, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions, and harvesting time. It can also become sweeter after a frost, as the cold temperatures trigger the plant to produce more sugars.
Kale can be eaten raw or cooked, and it can complement many dishes and flavors. It can also be seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic, onion, vinegar, or any other condiments you like.
Kale 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
Kale is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Kale also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood pressure
Kale is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone health
Kale is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune system
Kale is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Kale also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Kale is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients and support the immune system.
Skin and hair
Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, 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 Kale So It Keeps Growing?
One of the best things about kale is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means that you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season, as long as you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest kale so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest kale is when the leaves are young and tender, usually about 30 to 40 days after planting. You can also harvest baby kale leaves about 15 to 25 days after planting.
You should harvest kale before it starts to flower. This is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.
Kale usually flowers when the days get longer and warmer. Therefore, 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 lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. You should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant. This is because 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 kale leaves as soon as possible after harvesting to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. To rinse the leaves under cold water, you can use a colander or a salad spinner. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. You should also remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the kale leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. I will explain how to store and freeze kale in the next sections.
How to Harvest Kale from the Garden?
If you want to harvest kale from the garden, you need to follow some simple steps and tips to ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Here are some things to consider when harvesting kale from the garden:
Choose the right variety
There are many varieties of kale to choose from, depending on your preference and climate. Some of the most common varieties are curly kale, which has dark green, and curly leaves that are great for salads and chips.
You can also try dinosaur kale, which has dark blue-green, flat leaves that are great for soups and stir-fries, and red Russian kale, which has purple-red, frilly leaves that are great for salads and smoothies.
You can also choose kale varieties based on their maturity time, cold tolerance, flavor, and color. Some popular kale varieties are Winterbor, Redbor, Lacinato, and Scarlet.
Plant the seeds or seedlings
Depending on your preference and availability, you can plant kale seeds or seedlings in the garden. The best time to plant kale seeds or seedlings 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 plant kale seeds or seedlings every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
You should plant the seeds or seedlings about a quarter to half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart. Additionally, you should water the seeds or seedlings well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate or establish, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the kale seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about six to 12 inches of space between each plant and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the kale plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
You can start harvesting kale leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 30 to 40 days (about one and a half months) after planting, depending on the variety. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow.
That is not all. You should harvest kale in the morning when the leaves are crisp and fresh and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest kale before it starts to flower, which is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Store and Freeze Kale
Kale is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve kale for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze kale:
Store kale in the refrigerator: You can store fresh kale in the refrigerator for up to a week, if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. You should also avoid washing the kale before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the kale just before using it.
Freeze kale raw: You can freeze raw kale 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 kale will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw kale, 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 kale for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze kale blanched: You can freeze blanched kale, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw kale. To freeze blanched kale, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the size of the leaves. You should then drain and cool the leaves and squeeze out the excess water. Moreover, you can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze blanched kale for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
How to Use Kale in Different Cuisines and Recipes
Kale is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a smoothie, or a casserole, kale can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use kale in different cuisines and recipes:
American cuisine
Kale is a popular ingredient in American cuisine, especially in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a kale and apple salad with walnuts and honey mustard dressing, or a kale and chicken sandwich with mayonnaise and cheese.
You can also make a kale and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and bread crumbs, or a kale and sausage quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Mediterranean cuisine
Kale is a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Greek, Italian, and Spanish dishes. You can make a kale and feta cheese pie with phyllo dough and olive oil, or a kale and white bean soup with garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. You can also make kale and tomato pasta with parmesan cheese and basil, or a kale and potato tortilla with eggs, onion, and paprika.
Asian cuisine
Kale is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a kale and tofu stir-fry with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Additionally, you can make a kale and seaweed salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds. You can also make kale and coconut curry with onion, garlic, curry paste, and coconut milk. If you like something Indian, you can also try kale and lentil dal with cumin, turmeric, and coriander.
Wrapping It Up!
Kale is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store kale, 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. Kale is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know how to harvest kale, 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 there to help you out with the same!
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You’re here because you’re searching for that hidden weapon. The one secret that will give you a definitive edge over other companies in your line of work.
Behold the RSS feed reader. It’s not flashy. It can, in fact, be a little bit confusing, if you only have memories of them in the early 00s.
But it’s true. An RSS feed reader can make all the difference for your business.
What is an RSS feed reader?
Or maybe you’re not familiar with RSS. Here’s a crash course.
RSS is a protocol, which was developed early in the Internet’s youth as a way for users to have an easy way to access numerous sites simultaneously. Basically, every website and blog would have an RSS feed embedded in their code, which can then be accessed by an RSS feed reader.
Add any feed to your reader and then receive its content as soon as it’s posted. It’s that simple and was the chief way to stay connected and on top of development during the blogging craze.
Is it going to help my business grow?
Yes.
RSS readers have grown by leaps and bounds from where they started. For one, they now support all types of media files and formats, ranging from YouTube to podcasts. You’re able to cast your net wide – excellent for performing monitoring and research.
Not to mention how RSS feed readers have added tools, filters, and integrations that now place them firmly in the category of productivity tools. Depending on which RSS feed reader you have, you are in the perfect position to streamline your company’s journey to success.
How to use it for business?
a. Monitor your brand
To many, monitoring public opinion regarding their brand begins by opening their social media for a quick scroll down mentions and DMs. Maybe retweet something funny. That’s it. Smaller companies are particularly guilty of thinking ‘we’re small, so nobody’s really talking about us.’
It’s a fact many customers share their impressions of a business without tagging the businesses in their discussions unless it’s a direct complaint. Follow the breadcrumbs no matter how infrequent or small they are through RSS. Here’s what you can achieve with Inoreader as your RSS reader:
Create Google Alerts for important branded keywords and migrate them to Inoreader. This way you get the benefit of Alerts without the ineffective mail delivery.
Create keyword searches on social media, Twitter for instance, and subscribe to them via Inoreader, so you’re instantly updated when posts mention you.
Subscribe to important trade sites and set triggers to receive alerts whenever an article pops up that mentions your brand.
b. See what competitors do
The same principles as above apply here. Users can shift their attention easily to direct competitors in a heartbeat with minimal effort. You don’t have to change much in your monitoring approach, but it can also be wise to subscribe to your competitors’ newsletter, website, and social media.
The goal here is to monitor not just what’s said about your competitors, but also keep a close eye on every possible move they make. If you’re a considerably smaller fish in the pond, it’s smart to know when the market leaders are going to make an announcement, release a product or start a new campaign. That way you can time important marketing pushes on your part during the empty slots in their calendar.
Besides, your competitors are live case studies on the viability of campaigns and marketing ideas.
c. Follow influencers and bloggers
I mentioned trade publications above and the importance of checking for coverage of your brand, but there’s also another important category of sources you shouldn’t neglect. I’m talking about influencers and bloggers. These are the people that are somewhere between your target audience and industry systems.
They’re vehicles for promotion with varying degrees of influence. Some showcase what resonates with your ideal customers and others have economic power thanks to the size of their audience. Influencer marketing is still here for the time being and it’s a truly interesting phenomenon as it allows you to see firsthand what connects with your audience.
Influencers and bloggers thrive on their relatability to their followers. RSS feed readers are made for this exact purpose – follow blogs, newsletters, forums, and now a variety of media formats.
d. Discover new topics
RSS readers have made a sharp turn towards assisting their user base in finding relevant material, not just consuming it. After all, will you ever leave your RSS reader, when you keep on finding new and new feeds to explore? However, this functionality is not just created for leisure. It’s perfect for research purposes.
Inoreader has invested a lot into their discovery features. The very thing you encounter when you make your account is the discovery zone. You have several main branches of topics that further divide depending on how narrow your interests run. Each topic and subtopic is populated by the most subscribed-to RSS feeds in the reader’s database.
Furthermore, you have a lot more flexibility in how you explore suggestions thanks to the Sort by Magic feature, while the browser extension simplifies subscriptions to new RSS feeds and grants easy access to recent updates.
e. Learn more about your customers
Really, through the right blend of branded and non-branded keyword monitoring (we touched on both above), you arrive at a fuller, more fleshed-out profile of your ideal customer. You experience your customers in relation to your brand, which is essential in improving the ever-fragile brand-customer relationship. But more importantly, you get to experience them in their own environment. If you follow the current crop of successful influencers, then you know quite a lot.
Where do they hang out online? What’s important to them? How do they talk? What inspires them in their day-to-day life? What needs does your product meet? What motivates them to buy specifically from you? All these are questions you can answer. All from Inoreader’s dashboard.
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