When the time comes to move, most people don’t really know where to start and how to pack and move methodically. The worst of all is that they don’t know what to look for when searching for a moving company. How to pick the right company to help you move? After all, it’s not like you do that every day.
That is why we reached out to professionals at Move Central in San Diego. They share some of the points you should look into when choosing your moving company.
Here are Great Tips for Picking the Right Moving Company:
1. Shop Around
Some people are quite satisfied to call a single company, get a quote, and immediately accept the deal and go through with the move. Whereas that might save you some time, it may not be so beneficial for your wallet and your overall experience.
Most experts will tell you that you should shop around. Ask at least 3 companies for a quote with the same parameters and see what each of them offers. Some may be more expensive, but include insurance or wait times as a bonus, whereas others might be cheap, but not offer any additional benefits outside the most basic transportation service.
Once you have your quotes, compare them, determine what your priority is and go for the one which fits your needs the best. If you don’t see what’s out there, you may end up missing out on some perks.
2. Ask Around
Americans tend to move a lot more and more easily than most other nations, including Canada. Whether it is job prospects, climate, or something else, you are much more likely to move upwards of 10 times over your lifetime. That gives you a pretty good advantage when it comes to picking a moving company.
Chances are that you know people who moved recently. Ask your friends, family, or colleagues about their experiences with moving companies. Online reviews are a great resource, but they can only tell you a part of the story. With your friends and family, you can ask about details that may be omitted in an online review.
3. Insured and Licensed Is the Best Way to Move
In order to ensure that your move goes without a hitch and problem, you should only hire reputable moving companies, rather than going for a Craigslist ad or something similar. The reason is simple – reputable moving companies are insured and licensed by The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Whether you are moving out of state or just looking for a local move, it is easy to check if the company is licensed. A reputable company will certainly promote that and offer proof, but if you want to ensure, there is a website to check that manually.
4. Ask for Some Details
If you have decided on a company that sounds reasonable to you, you can have them come over and give you a quote. This is an ideal opportunity to ask them for details and observe them working. If they don’t seem professional or aren’t sure of what they are doing, it is possible that they are not as skilled as their online ads suggest.
Another big point to remember is that a reputable moving company will certainly have their own moving vans, and likely some uniforms for their workers. That may seem like a small thing, but if the company is serious about the business, they need to be willing to invest in the equipment – in the case of moving companies, it is a moving van, dollies, and similar loading and unloading equipment.
Whatever company you end up hiring, have a great move, and enjoy your new home.
I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.
Luxury houses have jaw-dropping architecture, grandiose landscaping, robust and high-quality house finishes, and high-technology appliances, and of course, lavish amenities, and spacious rooms for several guests. Indeed, buying a luxury house can provide you with comfortable living facilities.
It is crucial to put all the necessary cautiousness when buying a luxury house. There are many elements you can consider before giving out your money to a home developer. That is why this article is written to give you some tips on how to get your dream Los Angeles luxury homes for sale without regrets.
Your Buying Guide to Get Your Dream Luxury Homes:
1. Look for a Certified Real Estate Agent That Focuses on Luxury Houses:
Generally speaking, luxury houses can be hard to find because of its exclusivity. Sometimes, they don't appear on several listing services. This is because many homeowners guarded their utmost privacy and stayed as private as possible.
A certified luxury home agent has appropriate knowledge when it comes to a luxury market. They have multiple connections and work exclusively with elite sellers and buyers. An agent should have access to different luxury properties in several cities or states. Moreover, some luxury agents focus on specific niches such as islands, villas, or beach houses.
2. Don't Get Fooled by Property Photos:
You name it, brochures, pictures, advertisements, videos walk-throughs, and reviews can't replace the feeling of excitement when you see and feel the floor of a luxury home.
Regardless, if you need to travel hundreds of miles away or across the sea, overseas, etc. visiting the actual house is a must. This is essential because purchasing this property is one of the most significant decisions in your life.
Check the house for yourself, try the amenities, and see all the facilities and rooms if you can. It's also advisable to visit the house not once but more often at different seasons and times.
3. Create a House Checklist:
Before visiting the actual house, you must first identify your needs and your expectations. Doing this can help you handle your emotions to avoid an impulsive and uneducated decision. For example, if the house has a large home theater and wine cellar, but you won't be using them, then what's the point of paying?
4. Manage Your Documents Appropriately:
Purchasing Los Angeles luxury homes for sale are not the same as buying a starter home or condo unit. High-end home markets carefully examine the capacity of the buyer's ability to pay.
Therefore, managing your financial documentation before looking for a house is a must. It is essential to prove your capacity to pay a million-dollar charming home. Sellers will also determine if you can pay in cash or loan. But if you are going to purchase luxury homes, it is highly recommended to pay them in cash or check.
When buying a luxury home, ensure that you check if it will have a higher resale value, in case you decide to sell it in the future.
Read Also:
7 Ways To Add Character And Style To Your Home
7 Tips To Purchase A Prime Real Estate Property
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.
Read Also:
How to Harvest Lettuce: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fresh and Crispy Salads
Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!
Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?
When you’re a homeowner, you have many things to do on the lawn.
Choosing which lawn maintenance duties are more crucial than others can be challenging. Maintaining lawn weed control is an essential aspect of home maintenance.
Here Are 5 Points On Why Weed Management Is Crucial
1- A weed infestation is unsightly
Weeds are unsightly, no matter where they are in your yard, but the view also turns deplorable. What others perceive of your house depends partly on how it looks from the outside. It is odd to consider that something as little as a few weeds may impact someone's perception of you, yet it is a genuine possibility.
2- A lengthy process to rectify the weed situation
The best action is to take quick action if you experience a weed problem. You may choose a variety of do-it-yourself methods, such as manual weeding by choosing an appropriate weed wacker or weed killer safe for pets, or contact a weed control services provider. However, managing weeds on your own might take a lot of time, particularly if you don't have enough time.
3- Your yard will continue to be invaded by weeds
Weeds will continue to try to infiltrate your garden, thus, it is crucial to maintain weed control measures. Weeds don't require much to live since they may quickly outgrow their weak roots. Weeds may be stopped from returning by scheduling routine lawn maintenance – as a regular effort.
4- Cost-saving
While purchasing a weed killer at a home improvement store typically results in significant cost savings, although it may not be the best choice for your lawn.
You could have to spend a substantial sum of money having the weeds removed if they are not adequately managed or are allowed to grow unchecked. On the other hand, purchasing weed killers online can be more cost-effective as online vendors provide more discounts.
5- Effective weed management can ensure enduring results
Your lawn will progressively get rid of those troublesome weeds and develop a resistance to them with regular weed management and pre-emergent weed control treatments.
Different Weed Control Techniques
1- Preventive Weed Control Techniques
The key to successful weed management is prevention. An out-of-control weed infestation that has grown over time may call for more expensive treatment measures. Preventive weed control is any strategy to stop weeds from spreading across a farm or into a pasture.
2- Traditional Techniques for Weed Growth Control
Weeds are opportunistic and invasive and can have several damaging effects. Therefore, cultural management or developing a competitive and desired vegetation aids in weed prevention or, at the very least, slows their growth. The treatment of weeds is thought to be very successful using cultural control.
3- Chemical Techniques for Controlling Weed Growth
Chemical weed control refers to using or applying chemicals (herbicides) to soil or weeds to control weed development. The most efficient and effective way to manage weeds is with herbicides.
Some herbicides are designed to prevent damage to the weed's neighboring plants. Weeds can be effectively controlled by chemical means. For this control, there are several chemical products on the market at the moment.
4- Biological Techniques for Weed Growth Control
Biological weed management is any method using live organisms that naturally inhibit weed development. In addition to eliminating weeds, living agents are also utilized to inhibit the germination of their seeds, such as grazing animals, insects, fungi, or bacteria.
Quite often, insects are used in biological weed control; this strategy is sometimes referred to as insect bio-control or integrated pest management (IPM). A cinnabar moth, a tansy flea beetle, and a chrysolina beetle are just a few insects employed in IPM.
Read Also:
The Top Four Reasons Why You Could Certainly Benefit from a Garden Shed
4 Essential Tools Needed to Maintain Your Garden in the Winter
Garden Edging for Beginners
