Published on: 02 April 2017
Last Updated on: 11 September 2024
Container garden is a great idea for those who don’t have too much space in their house. Besides that, with a container garden, you will not have to spend too much time and effort to take care of it, such as mowing regularly with a lawn mower. So, in this article, I would like to introduce you to some ideas about choosing the right containers for your garden. I may be useful if you are intending to build one.
There are two essential things to successfully choose a container for use in a container garden: size and material. The size of the content relates to the optimal growth of the plant. Choose one that’s too small, and your plant might not reach its full potential. The material, of which the container is made, is of almost equal importance. Which material works best depends on the situation.
Larger perennial plants (those that grow for more than one season) do quite well in a large wooden container. Most container gardeners prefer wood for use with perennials. It’s also a good choice for plants that will be grown outside in a visible location.
Although wooden containers tend to be more expensive than other materials, the cost is balanced by their extreme durability.
Should the wood be treated? Yes and no. Yes for the outside, no for the inside of the container. If the inside is treated, the chemicals could leach into the soil. Remember, whatever is in the soil ends up in the plant. At best, your plant will be damaged. At worst, if it’s an edible plant, it could actually make you ill.
Plastic pots are widely used in container gardens. The main reason for this is cost. Plastic pots are the cheapest option in most cases. There’s nothing wrong with saving money, but plastic may not always be your best choice.
Plastic pots are fine to use if you don’t intend to keep it up. Maybe you don’t even know if you’ll enjoy it or if it will work for you. But if there’s any chance you will continue to garden in the future, you should realize that plastic pots are not very durable.
They look durable, but looks can be misleading. Regardless of how thick or hard the plastic seems to be, outdoor elements can quickly crack and warp this type of container. Once the pots are damaged, they’re essentially useless. Not much future in cracked pot gardening.
Pots made from terra cotta clay are also quite inexpensive. The only plastic is cheaper. Unfortunately, clay can be delicately made and easily broken. This material doesn’t handle freezing temperatures very well either. If your area experiences below-freezing weather, plants in terra cotta containers should be brought indoors during the winter.
Okay, so far wood is expensive, plastic is cheap and clay can break. What’s next? You can often do well with fired ceramic pots. Sometimes they are somewhat delicate but relatively durable. Look for the glaze on the outside with unglazed insides. The outside glaze enhances appearance, but inside glaze could leach into the soil.
Another option is to construct containers from things around your home. If you find something large enough for the plant, cut some drainage holes in the bottom and you’re good to go. The possibilities are wide open. Milk jugs, soda bottles, and even margarine tubs have all been used. For larger plants, trash cans and plastic tubs could work.
If you really want to go minimalist, then use a bag of soil. Cut a hole in the bag and plant something in the exposed soil. This simply proves that almost anything can be used. Just make sure it’s big enough for the plant, will last as long as you want it to, and allows for proper drainage.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Raising the value of your home can seem like an impossible task at first, particularly if you are working with a restrictive budget. However, it is not impossible. In this article, we will be looking into some of the simple ways that you can increase the value of your home with ease.
Replace The Doors And Windows
When looking to put your home on the market you want it to look its best. As a result, you may want to consider replacing the doors and windows, particularly if you are dealing with a draft of any kind. This will not only improve the curb appeal of your home, but it can also help to improve the energy usage of your home making it more appealing for those looking to purchase.
Makeover The Kitchen And Living Room
As the central hub of the home, the kitchen and the living room re the first two areas that you should consider modernizing. One of the easiest ways to do this is to paint the walls a neutral color. This will make the home more appealing to those hoping for a blank canvas, in addition to this, it is likely to brighten up the room as a whole. The living room can also be modernized and transformed by incorporating a custom-designed canvas using a next day canvas prints service for your home.
Improve The Look Of Your Garden
If you are lucky enough to have garden space, this needs to look the best that it can be at all times. By improving the front garden with flowers and taking care of the tress you are then making it seem more appealing to the buyer when they have a first impression. It is then time to consider the back garden. By mowing the lawn, tending to the flowerbeds, and removing any unwanted weeds in the patio, you can improve the curb appeal as well as the value of your home over time. Though this will take some man-hours, this will make it look more appealing to the listing.
Create A Driveway
The final way that you can boost the curb appeal for your home is to generate a driveway. If you have a vast amount of space outside the front of the house, sprucing up your driveway will make the home more appealing for those that have multiple cars or a family. Whether this is gated or just left open, this can help to limit on the road parking and raise the value of your home. IF you already have a driveway, it is recommended that you remove the weeds and clean the bricks or concrete to make it looks its best.
Whether you are in the process of selling, or you are considering it in the near future, some of these small little tips can help you to raise the property value of your home and sell it for the full amount that you would like.
Read Also:
Top Home Cleaning Tips
How To Pick The Perfect Flooring For Your New Home
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!
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Your bedroom is your shelter, harbor, and heaven. Many people want a cozy surrounding in the bedroom and want to shut eyes in a cozy and peaceful environment for achieving a perfect night sleep. If you want to revamp your bedroom decoration and create a cozy look, but stuck from where to start? Use these seven simple ways of creating a cozy environment in the bedroom.
1. Bed For The Bedroom
The bed is the central furniture item in any bedroom. Search for some attractive and luxury bed. Use these tips:
If you have a small bedroom go for the storage bed such as ottoman storage bed.
If you have to share a room then bunk bed is a good choice. You need to search for cheap bunk beds in case of low budget. Alaska is one cheap bunk bed which adds luxury in your bedroom décor.
2. Get Some Candles
Installing some candles in your bedroom, not only improve the decorative quality of your bedroom but also provide a peaceful environment for goof night sleep. Fragrances candles are also provided in the market nowadays, you must go for this option. A fresh scent at night offers you a comfortable night sleep. You must need to blow a few candles an hour before bed, then blowing them out before going to bed.
3. Try To Keep The Temperature At Lower
For a cozy bedroom, keep the temperature constant or at a lower degree. The temperature takes a lot and contributes to better night sleep. Try to set the thermostat low and warm-up ahead of mattress pad that will provide you extra comfort and softener feelings.
Read More: Secrets To The Perfect Bedroom Light
4. Don't Create Any ClutterOn The WallsOr Don’t Jumble Your Bedroom Walls
Remove all the bedroom clutter for making your bedroom cozier. For keeping the bedroom walls clean and neat try not to clutter all of your free space with accessories, ornaments and hanging items that will cover every square inch of blankness. Try to décor the walls with two or three decorations piece which give the room an elegant look.
5. Renovate Your Mattress
You must need to change your mattress every five years. If you are looking for renovating your mattress but having a low budget and don’t want to purchase a new mattress, then go for the second-hand mattress. Bedding must be soft and neat. Install some extra pillows and cushions for providing extra comfort during sleeping.
6. Invest In Cozy Curtains
Curtain made from sturdy and soft material in another useful and easiest way for giving up the cozy factor of the bedroom. Sturdy and soft curtains not only give your room a luxurious and attractive look they also help a lot in blocking out the natural light that may impede your sleep in the morning.
7. Beautiful Painting, Good Mirror, Wide Window
Painting: Use a light color for your bedroom, which throws a good effect on your mind.
Mirrors: Using the mirror in the bedroom give it a natural look. The visually long mirror helps in increasing the size of the room and also serve as an elegant decoration piece.
Window also creates a cozy environment in any room. It helps in bringing natural light into the room.
Read More: How To Salvage Your Furniture After A Flood
Container garden is a great idea for those who don’t have too much space in their house. Besides that, with a container garden, you will not have to spend too much time and effort to take care of it, such as mowing regularly with a lawn mower. So, in this article, I would like to introduce you to some ideas about choosing the right containers for your garden. I may be useful if you are intending to build one.
