Published on: 03 August 2018
Last Updated on: 07 August 2021
The summer is a season for critical garden maintenance says the best weed removal experts. Otherwise, your lovely plants, flowers, and trees might suffer from disease or be infested by pests if you don’t perform the much-needed maintenance. But no matter what the summer throws your garden, you can keep up provided you know of some maintenance tasks like the following.
5 Summer Garden Maintenance Tips and Tactics You Have To Know
If you are not confident of pruning the trees and plants yourself, hire experts that can help you do the same. The best garden maintenance tips from Tree Service Riverside focus on understanding the individual personality and nature of every tree in your garden. This is why you need to be different in terms of fertilizer applications, watering schedules, and other areas. Let us look at some of the major tips below-
1. Ensure Having A Good Soil:
You can add organic matter to the soil, but it must be as varied as possible. For example, you can consider adding manure for nitrogen.
Manure is valuable because its nutrients are ready for consumption by the soil and plants.
You may also want to consider composting, which is the recycling of organic wastes that speed up soil formation.
Finally, you may also want to make use of earthworms in the method called vermicomposting. These organisms can convert manure, green crop residues, and food wastes into usable forms for the plants.
See that the nutrient balance is correct by running a test to check for soil fertility. For this, you can hire a lawn professional to inspect and evaluate if the soil is balanced with nutrients, including potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
2. Remove The Weeds:
Weeds are real survivors, and they cannot just seem to stop annoying you. Be able to fight dirty by getting rid of them. At the very least, remember not to leave any roots behind, so do not yank only the leaves or they will grow back. Grab them lose to the ground and then pull them straight up.
The best time to remove the weeds is after the rain because the ground is still moist. Just a word of caution though. You should be careful walking around in your wet garden, or else the soil will be compact. If there is no rain, you can water the garden before pulling the weeds. Finally, remove them while they’re still small. But if you want to get rid of them effectively, you should consider hiring weed removal experts. Another thing you should be careful to be the weeds and other grass near the garden sheds and make sure they are removed as well.
3. Watering the Garden:
Prevent the effects of the summer heat to your plants and flowers. At the very least, you should keep the temperature at 90°F by using a combination of weeding, watering, and shading.
Also, one of the golden rules for summer garden maintenance is to keep the soil moist. So if needed, you should water it twice a day.
The best time to water the plants is early in the morning when it can easily infiltrate the soil. Another is the late afternoon especially for soil that looks crusty.
For maximum water absorption, you must water at the plant’s base. You may also want to put a shade, such as a protective screen in your garden. It can prevent the water from escaping due to evaporation and reduce the surrounding temperature by up to 10 degrees.
4. Pruning:
Pruning’s main objective is to get rid of the problem, such as ailing or dead branches.
Always make an angled cut, which must be just above but sloping away from a bud above the point where a leaf is attached to a branch.
Do not cut close to the bud or it will be damaged and eventually will dry out and die.
Also, do not cut too far above a bud because the remaining stub is going to rot away, die, or become an entry point for plant disease.
Tips: Inspect the shrubs and trees for any broken or dead branches. You should also look for branches rubbing together because the wounds from those would just expose more surface area that will require more time to heal versus the clean cuts because they become entry points for disease and pests. So as soon as you notice any broken, rubbing, or dead branches, prune them.
5. Remove Dead Plants:
Get rid of dead plants regardless of why they died – natural causes, insect damage, or disease. These plants should be eliminated because they can collect pests to spread around your garden to damage other plants. Use them in your compost pile if they’re still safe to use it.
Taking care of your garden using these simple and easy maintenance tips will help in keeping your plants, flowers, and trees healthy all summer. Remember to prune, water, remove dead plants, ensure the soil is healthy and hire weed removal experts for the perfect summer garden maintenance.
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With fall's arrival, you might think your yard work just shifts over to raking leaves. The sun isn't shining as hard, and your lawn isn't getting dry as quickly or growing as fast as it was in the summer.
But if you want a healthy lawn to greet you when the snow melts and the ice thaws, there are plenty of things you can do now to give your yard the care it needs to survive cooler weather ahead.
5 Tips To Prepare Your Lawn For Fall Season
You are investing your whole year to maintain the look of your lawn. But after the fall, you start to face more challenges to bringing that look again. Hence proper care and the right strategies are making your work simple.
Here are the five tips for preparing your lawn for the fall season.
1. Reseed Late In The Growing Season
If your lawn looks thin and brown or has dead patches, the time to reseed is in the late summer/early fall. It always is better to cover all the empty patchy areas of your lawn. Hence after the fall, you will not get enough time to clever up these patchy areas.
Whether you're seeding a small patch or a whole yard, the cooler, damper weather of this time of year will promote successful growth, eliminate bare patches, and deter the growth of weeds.
Consider Reading: 5 Essential Tips to Designing a Beautiful Front Yard Garden
2. Water And Fertilize
Despite less sun and breezier, cooler days, your lawn still needs to be watered. Watering in the fall helps your lawn recover from summer and gain strength for the winter ahead, and while you can reduce your lawn watering, you shouldn't stop watering completely until the ground freezes.
To make it easier, many Toronto homeowners install sprinkler systems that automatically water whenever they choose. Having lawn sprinklers in Toronto set according to your specific needs is an easy way to keep your grass watered and ensure your lawn is never too wet or dry.
3. Provide More Nutritions
Fertilizing in the fall can also help provide energy and nutrients for the roots of your lawn grass. Fertilizing should be done about three weeks before the last mowing of the season. Roots are the most important part of the plant. After mowing, you can see the roots and provide more nutrition to boost plant growth.
If you do fertilize, keep in mind that watering is a must for the fertilizer to work. The water helps the fertilizer dissolve and soak into the ground where it's needed.
4. Rake Your Leaves
Make sure you're raking and removing all of those dead leaves that fall before the snow flies. If you don't, those pretty leaves will turn into a thick layer of wet leaves that can smother your grass and deprive it of sunlight, which will get in the way of the healthy growth you want.
Plus, it's much easier to deal with dry leaves of your lawn during fall than wet, soggy leaves in the spring. Not only before the fall but every time raking, your garden’s dry leaves also look cleaner.
5. Cut The Grass Short
With the cooler temperatures setting in, growth will begin to slow down, and your lawn will be preparing for dormancy throughout the winter. It's essential to continue the mowing process of your lawn during this time.
You will want to cut your grassv shorter than usual during this time of year. Gradually lower the length of the mower until you reach the size of 1-1/2 or 2-inches. This will reduce the chances of snow mold forming in colder climates, and tall grass blades fall flat and smother the new grass next spring.
Conclusion:
Taking time to prepare your lawn for the harsh elements of winter can reduce the amount of time and effort you have to put into nurturing your lawn back to health come springtime. After strictly following these five tips, you can quickly minimize the challenges for the fall session and enjoy the green view again after fall. And in addition, these five tips are also boosting up the fertility rate of your lawn.
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According to many people, having a garden in your house is said to invoke a real sense of creativity. People say this because they seem to feel refreshed and creative if there is a lot of vegetation surrounding them. Also, many consider gardening to be an innovative form of expression.
Therefore, which plant to have in your garden will decide its beauty in the eyes of the beholder. If you are new to gardening, then this article is for you. Here, you will learn about the various types of trailing plants and some of the best breeds of them.
What Are Trailing Plants?
Trailing plants are a unique breed of pretty long and slender plants. Their stems grow more extended, often taking up the length of the entire room vertically. These plants are generally kept in balconies and bigger rooms, like dining or living rooms. They are also typically placed in pots and then hung from the ceiling.
These plants are often called creepers or climbers, or even spiky plants because they have slender stems mistaken for vines. These vines require support to grow. Therefore, they follow the surface of the roofs or the walls to propel themselves and grow in a specific direction.
Types Of Trailing Plants
There are two distinct types of trailing plants that can be categorized. They are,
1. Flowering Trailing Plants
As the name suggests, flowering trailing plants are simply trailing plants that can produce flowers of their own. These often look great because when these trailing plants become bigger, they will make flowers all over their stems. The longer their vines have grown, the more flowers they will produce.
2. Non-Flowering Trailing Plants
As the name suggests, non-flowering trailing plants are the direct opposite of flowering trailing plants. These foliage plants do not produce any flowers and are mostly greenish yellowish. These are the most common types of trailing plants that you get to see in people's houses
Best Trailing Plants For Your Garden
If you have finally decided to buy trailing plants, then here are seven of the breeds that we highly recommend you add to your balcony or garden.
1. Golden Pothos
One of the most popular trailing plants in the market is scientifically known as Epipremnum Aureum. We recommend you start your trailing plants gardening journey with this newbie-friendly plant. Because setting up this plant to hang from the ceiling is the first thing you should learn - how to hang trailing plants.
This plant is a low maintenance plant since it requires almost no cutting since you can leave it to hand and grow naturally in a basket from your ceiling.
Read More: Grow these flowering plants in your home garden
2. Red Herringbone
Scientifically known as the Maranta Leuconeura Erythroneura, this plant is one of the best trailing plants indoors. It has a trippy, attractive design on its leaves highlighted by its red color and unique look. The distinctive red patterns of the leaves of this plant have been compared to the mark of a herringbone.
The unique aspect of big leaf plants is that they close up their leaves during the night, giving them the shape of a hand-folded prayer position. This is why many people call this plant the prayer plant.
We recommend this plant for experienced gardeners since it needs high maintenance to grow safely.
3. Staghorn Fern
Scientifically known as the Platycerium Bifurcatum, this plant has been called strange by many gardeners due to its leaves' odd, uneven shape. This trailing plant is best kept in a wooden basket with compost, and other organic matter buried deep in the compost.
Again, we recommend this plant for experienced gardeners since it requires specific gardening skills to grow these tropical plants fully. Additionally, this plant is best kept in a humid place outside the range of direct sunlight.
4. String Of Pearls
These types of trailing succulent plants are scientifically known as Senecio Rowleyanus. Its leaves are smaller than the other plants mentioned on this list, which look like tiny, green pearls. However, upon closer observation, you will notice that it looks like a green string is keeping the pearly leaves attached to the vine. This is why it is called a string of pearls, one of the most aesthetic plants.
Sometimes, the top of the compost becomes very dry. This is an indicator that the plant needs watering. Generally, this plant likes to remain dry. But too dry will result in its untimely demise. Therefore, always keep a lookout for the dryness of the plant's compost.
5. Spider Plant
As the name suggests, this trailing plant looks like a spider. Botanically named as the Chlorophytum Comosum, this easy to grow plant is another common tracking plant that you see in many households. Maintaining this plant is easy since all it needs is well-drained potting soil and exposure to bright, indirect sunlight. Just remember to water it frequently, and keep it as a bedroom plant.
You May Also Like This: 4 Essential Tools Needed to Maintain Your Garden in the Winter
6. Creeping Jenny
While the name might sound very creepy, its looks and beauty tell a different story. These bright fluorescent green trailing indoor plants are famous for their round leaves. Their vines also grow long, till about 18 inches in length. Unlike other trailing plants on this list, these plants can be placed on the soil and can also be hung from the ceiling in a pot or basket.
7. Million Bells
Also known as the Calibrachoa, it is one of the most highly colorful and vibrant trailing plants ever to exist. This is because it is a flowering plant. But that is not its only specialty. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that its flowers can be of random colors, from red, blue, purple, to pink. This is perfect for you if you want trailing plants for hanging baskets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What Is The Best Trailing Plant?
There are many great trailing plants like Million Bells, Golden Pothos, and Red Herringbone, to name a few.
Q2. What Plants Are Trailing Plants?
Trailing plants can be identified by their long vines that grow along the side of walls.
Q3. What Are Trailing Plants Called?
Trailing plants are also called spillers, creepers, and viners.
Q4. What Is A Trailing Flowering Plant?
Trailing plants that produce flowers are known as trailing flowering plants.
Conclusion
Trailing plants are one of the best choices for keeping plants in your home. These plants look great and unique. These plants look even better if you hang them from your ceiling in a basket or round vase. If you are a beginner at gardening, then we recommend growing plants like the Golden Pothos or the Spider Plant. And if you are an experienced grower, then we recommend plants like the Red Herringbone and the Million Bells.
If you found out which trailing plants to buy, then check out our other articles as well!
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How to Maintain Your Garden Railings?
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Being a gardener, I know Spinach is one of the most popular and versatile leafy greens you can grow in your garden. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest spinach the right way so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest spinach, so it keeps growing. I will also explain how to harvest spinach seeds, how to store and freeze spinach, and the health benefits of spinach. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your spinach harvest. So, keep on reading till the end to learn more, and thank me later!
Driven by Benefits: Why are People Growing Spinach?
Spinach is not only tasty but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye Health
Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Spinach also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood Pressure
Spinach is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Spinach also contains folate. This helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Spinach is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Spinach also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune System
Spinach is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Spinach also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Spinach is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This improves the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also supports the immune system.
Skin And Hair
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, which are essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How To Harvest Spinach So It Keeps Growing
One of the best things about spinach is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season if you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest spinach is when the leaves are young and tender. This is usually about 40 to 50 days after planting. You can also harvest baby spinach leaves earlier, about 25 to 30 days after planting.
You should harvest spinach before it starts to bolt. This is when it produces flowers and seeds and becomes bitter and tough. Spinach usually bolts when the days get longer and warmer. So, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem, or cut individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
You should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil, to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. Moreover, you should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the spinach leaves as soon as possible after harvesting, to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. You can use a colander or a salad spinner to rinse the leaves under cold water. After this, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. Additionally, you should remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the spinach leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. We'll explain how to store and freeze spinach in the next sections.
How to Harvest Spinach Seeds?
If you want to save some spinach seeds for the next season or share them with your friends and family, you must let some spinach plants bolt and produce flowers and seeds. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach seeds:
Select the best plants to save seeds from
It would be best if you chose healthy, vigorous, and productive plants with the desired characteristics. Some of these are the flavor, size, color, and disease resistance.
Apart from these, you should also avoid saving seeds from hybrid varieties, as they will not produce true-to-type plants. You should look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, which will produce plants that are similar to the parent plants.
Isolate the plants to prevent cross-pollination
Spinach is a wind-pollinated crop, which means that it can cross-pollinate with other spinach plants or related plants, such as beets, chard, or quinoa, within a distance of up to a mile. This can result in seeds that have different traits than the parent plants. To prevent cross-pollination, you should isolate the plants you want to save seeds from, by either planting them far away from other spinach plants or related plants, or covering them with a mesh bag or a cage.
Let the plants flower and set seeds
You should let the plants bolt and produce flowers, which are small and yellow, and then wait for the seeds to form and mature. The seeds are round and black, and they are enclosed in a spiny husk. The seeds are ready to harvest when they are dry and hard, and the husks are brown and brittle, usually about four to six weeks after flowering.
Harvest and clean the seeds
You should cut the seed stalks and place them in a paper bag or a bucket, and then shake or rub them to release the seeds from the husks.
Furthermore, you should then winnow the seeds, which separates the seeds from the chaff or the husks and other debris. You can do this by blowing or fanning the seeds or using a screen or a sieve. You should end up with clean and shiny seeds.
Store the seeds
It would be best if you stored the spinach seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a jar, a tin, or a plastic bag. You should also label the seeds with the variety name and the date of harvest. Besides, you can store the spinach seeds for up to five years, but they will germinate better if you use them within two to three years.
How to Store and Freeze Spinach?
Spinach is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve spinach for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze spinach:
Store spinach in the refrigerator
You can store fresh spinach in the refrigerator for up to a week if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. However, you should avoid washing the spinach before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the spinach just before using it.
Freeze spinach raw
You can freeze raw spinach without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw spinach will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw spinach, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw spinach for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze spinach blanched
You can freeze blanched spinach, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw spinach. To freeze blanched spinach, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for one to two minutes, depending on the size of the leaves.
You should then drain and cool the leaves, and squeeze out the excess water. You can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Furthermore, you can freeze blanched spinach for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
Things to Keep in Mind: How to Grow Spinach Successfully?
Spinach is a cool-season crop that grows best in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. It can tolerate light frost but not heat or drought. Spinach also prefers moist, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here are some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully:
Choose the right variety
There are many types of spinach, but the most common varieties are savoy, semi-savoy, and flat-leafed. Savoy spinach has dark green, crinkly leaves that are great for salads and wraps. Semi-savoy spinach has slightly curled leaves that are more resistant to diseases and bolting. Flat-leafed spinach has smooth, broad leaves that are easy to clean and process. You can also choose spinach varieties based on their maturity time, bolt resistance, flavor, and color. Bloomsdale, Tyee, Space, Melody, and Red Kitten are popular spinach varieties.
Sow the seeds
You can sow spinach seeds directly in the garden, or start them indoors and transplant them later. The best time to sow spinach seeds is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also sow spinach seeds every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
Besides this, you should sow the seeds about half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. You should water the seeds well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the spinach seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about four to six inches of space between each plant, and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the spinach plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
Depending on the variety, you can start harvesting spinach leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 25 to 50 days after sowing. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should harvest spinach in the morning, when the leaves are crisp and fresh, and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest spinach before it starts to bolt, which is when it produces flowers and seeds, and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Use Spinach in Different Cuisines and Recipes?
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a pasta, a pie, or a smoothie, spinach can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use spinach in different cuisines and recipes:
Mediterranean cuisine
Spinach is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, such as spanakopita, a Greek pie made with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, or spinach and chickpea stew, a Moroccan dish flavored with cumin, paprika, and lemon juice. You can also make a simple spinach salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Asian cuisine
Spinach is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a Chinese spinach and tofu stir-fry with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, or a Japanese spinach and sesame salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also make an Indian spinach and potato curry with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and garam masala, or a spinach and paneer cheese dish with cream, tomato, and fenugreek.
Italian cuisine
Spinach is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in pasta, pizza, and lasagna. You can make a spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage sauce, or a spinach and mushroom pizza with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You can also make a spinach and cheese lasagna with béchamel sauce, or a spinach and artichoke dip with cream cheese and sour cream.
American cuisine
Spinach is also popular in American cuisine, especially salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a spinach and strawberry salad with almonds and poppy seed dressing or a spinach and bacon sandwich with mayonnaise and mustard. You can also make a spinach and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, or a spinach and artichoke quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Wrapping It Up!
Spinach is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store spinach, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Spinach is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know about how to harvest spinach, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be ether to answer them all for you.
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