Published on: 15 October 2019
Last Updated on: 04 September 2024
Keeping your clean bathroom reduces the likelihood of bugs living in there and spreading between members of your family and visitors. Of course, it can be difficult to stay on top of the cleaning when you’re already working, looking after children, and completing a host of other activities. However, by learning a few tricks from hotel housekeeping you’ll be able to keep the bathroom at home, or in the hotel clean in a fraction of the time.
1. Use The Right Products
Companies spend thousands of developing products for specific areas of your bathroom. To make your cleaning as easy as possible you should purchase a selection of the best products from a reputable supplier of hygiene services.
It’s also a good idea to use the right appliances. The finish of your toilet can make a huge difference to how easy it is to keep clean.
It is also important to read the product instructions. They will all say how long they should be left in situ to work effectively, make sure you leave enough time for each product to work. This will help to ensure all the bacteria are removed from the bathroom.
2. Open The Window
Opening the window allows fresh air into the room, this will help to remove any unwanted smells and give you more natural light. Natural light and the interior lights can work nicely together to ensure you clean every surface properly, you’ll be able to identify dirty spots more easily if you have plenty of light.
3. Empty The Room
The idea is to empty the room, giving you a blank slate. This is the approach most hotels adopt and it works! Simply take all the towels, bathmats, washing products and anything else you can find, place them outside your bathroom. You don’t want to throw them away every time you clean the bathroom!
You will then be able to wipe all the surfaces thoroughly which will prevent you from missing spots and actually make your cleaning job much easier.
Don’t forget, wiping around products will leave ring marks that can be very hard to remove in the future.
4. Sweep Before Mopping
Sweeping is generally preferably to vacuuming but it is acceptable to choose either method. However, you should do one or the other before you mop the floor. If you don’t the process of mopping will simply be moving debris and bacteria around the floor.
Sweeping first removes the dirt, allowing you to mop with a disinfectant spray and leave the floor properly clean. You could eat your dinner off it!
5. Use A Toothbrush
There are plenty of nooks and crannies in a bathroom and the best too for cleaning them is actually a toothbrush. Ideally, this should be one you reserve for cleaning, not your other half’s toothbrush.
Toothbrushes allow you to clean the screws around the toilets and close to the taps on the sink, just make sure the toothbrush is cleaned between uses to ensure you’re not simply transferring bacteria from one place to another.
As a final tip, you should keep all your cleaning products together in a box or cart, this will ensure you have everything you need to hand.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
If you are a gardener like me, you must have thought about harvesting greens that you eat at restaurants at your house. One of these days, I was with my friends from my university, and we were discussing the importance of eating veggies for staying healthy. And they could not figure out the best ways to effectively do so. Reading my previous blog about cilantro, Laila asked me, “how to grow and harvest asparagus?”
Well, surely asparagus is one of the most delicious and nutritious vegetables you can grow in your garden. But what a lot of people do not know is that it's also one of the easiest once you know how to harvest asparagus properly.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about harvesting asparagus, from when to start, how to cut, and how often to do it. Additionally, I will also share some tips on how to store and freeze asparagus, as well as the benefits of eating this green wonder.
So, keep on reading till the end to learn more...
How Does Asparagus Grow?
Before I dive into the seemingly difficult process of how to harvest asparagus, let me help you grow it.
Asparagus is a perennial plant that grows from a crown of roots that can live for up to 20 years. The crown produces spears, which are the edible part of the plant, every spring.
The spears grow rapidly, sometimes up to an inch per day, and can reach a height of 6 to 10 inches. The spears are harvested before they open into fern-like leaves, which are edible and tough.
Asparagus grows best in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers full sun and moderate temperatures and needs regular watering and fertilizing.
Asparagus can be grown from seeds or crowns, but crowns are easier and faster to establish. Crowns are planted in trenches about 12 to 18 inches apart and covered with 2 to 3 inches of soil. As the spears emerge, more soil is added until the trench is filled
Benefits of Asparagus
https://giphy.com/gifs/food-asparagus-taylor-lee-nicholson-pejh5q5BBXxi2m4PgF
Asparagus is not only tasty, but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like spinach. It can help lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, support digestion, and prevent urinary tract infections.
Asparagus also contains a compound called asparagine, which is a natural diuretic that helps flush out excess fluids and salts from the body. Asparagus is also a good source of folate, which is essential for pregnant women and fetal development
When to Harvest Asparagus?
The first year after planting, you should not harvest any asparagus spears, as they need to grow and strengthen the root system.
The second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks.
The third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants.
The best time to harvest asparagus is in the early morning when the spears are crisp and tender. You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall, and before the tips start to open up. If you wait too long, the spears will become woody and bitter.
How to Plant and Care for Asparagus?
Asparagus is a long-term investment that can reward you with years of delicious harvests. However, it requires some planning and preparation before planting.
Here are some steps to follow to plant and care for asparagus:
Choose the Day
Choose a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden, preferably with sandy or loamy soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool or where weeds are hard to control. Asparagus also needs plenty of space, so make sure you have at least 4 to 5 feet between rows and 12 to 18 inches between plants.
Prepare the Soil
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, and adjusting the pH to 6.5 to 7.5. You can use a soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. You may also need to add some fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 10-20-10, to boost the phosphorus and potassium content.
Dig it Deep
Dig a trench about 8 to 12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. You can make the trench longer or shorter depending on how many asparagus crowns you have. Asparagus crowns are the dormant roots of the plant that you can buy from nurseries or online. They usually have one-year-old or two-year-old crowns, which are more reliable and productive than seeds.
Fertilize
Spread some fertilizer along the bottom of the trench, about 2 pounds per 100 square feet. Then, cover the fertilizer with 2 to 3 inches of soil, forming a ridge in the center of the trench.
Placing the Plant
Place the asparagus crowns on top of the ridge, about 12 to 18 inches apart, with the buds facing up. The crowns should be slightly below the soil surface, about 1 to 2 inches deep. Do not bury them too deep, as this will delay the emergence of the spears.
Focus on the Crown
Cover the crowns with another 2 to 3 inches of soil, and water well. As the spears grow, gradually fill in the trench with more soil, until it is level with the ground. This will help protect the crowns from frost and weeds.
Add Mulch
Mulch the bed with straw, leaves, or wood chips, to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. You can also add some organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, every few weeks during the growing season, to encourage healthy growth.
Keep in Mind
Do not harvest any asparagus spears in the first year, as they need to establish a strong root system. In the second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks. In the third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants.
How to Harvest Asparagus?
Now, coming to the most important part that you wanted to know about. Let us talk about the ways to harvest asparagus!
To harvest asparagus, you need a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. You should cut the spears at the base, about an inch below the soil surface.
Be careful not to damage the crown or the emerging spears. You should also avoid cutting too many spears from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one-third of the spears on each plant.
You should harvest asparagus every day or every other day, depending on how fast the spears grow. You should stop harvesting asparagus when the spears become thinner than a pencil, as this indicates that the plant is running out of energy.
You should then let the spears grow into ferns, which will replenish the crown and prepare it for the next season.
How to Store and Freeze Asparagus?
Unlike lettuce, which you can store for more than a week, asparagus is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. If you can't eat it right away, you should store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To keep it fresh, you should trim the ends of the spears and stand them upright in a glass of water or wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag.
If you want to preserve asparagus for longer, you can freeze it. To freeze asparagus, you should first wash and trim the spears, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the thickness.
Blanching is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil.
After blanching, you should drain and cool the spears, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze asparagus for up to a year, and use it in soups, casseroles, or stir-fries.
How to Prevent and Treat Asparagus Pests and Diseases?
Asparagus is generally a hardy and resilient plant, but it can still suffer from some pests and diseases that can affect its growth and quality.
Here are some of the most common problems that affect asparagus plants, and how to prevent or treat them:
Asparagus beetles
These are small, black or red beetles that feed on the spears and the ferns, causing them to wilt and turn brown. They can also lay eggs on the spears, which hatch into larvae that chew on the stems and leaves.
To prevent asparagus beetles, you should keep the area around the plants clean and weed-free, and remove any old or damaged spears. To treat asparagus beetles, you can hand-pick them and their eggs, or spray them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fusarium wilt
This is a fungal disease that infects the roots and the crowns of the plants, causing them to rot and die. It can also cause the spears to become yellow, twisted, and stunted. Fusarium wilt is more likely to occur in poorly drained, acidic, or infested soil.
To prevent fusarium wilt, you should plant disease-resistant varieties, rotate crops, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat fusarium wilt, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and apply fungicides to the soil.
Rust
This is another fungal disease that affects the ferns, causing them to develop orange or brown spots and pustules. Rust can reduce the vigor and yield of the plants, and make them more susceptible to other diseases. Rust is more likely to occur in humid, wet, or shady conditions.
To prevent rust, you should plant resistant varieties, space the plants well, and prune any excess or infected ferns. To treat rust, you should apply fungicides to the ferns, and avoid watering them from above.
Crown rot
This is a bacterial disease that causes the crowns and the bases of the spears to become soft, mushy, and foul-smelling. Crown rot can spread quickly and kill the plants. Crown rot is more likely to occur in wet, compacted, or poorly drained soil.
To prevent crown rot, you should plant healthy crowns, improve the drainage and aeration of the soil, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat crown rot, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and disinfect the tools and the soil.
Bonus: How to Cook and Enjoy Asparagus?
There are many ways to cook and enjoy asparagus, from steaming, boiling, roasting, grilling, to sautéing. The key is not to overcook it, as it will become mushy and lose its flavor.
You should cook asparagus until it is bright green and crisp-tender, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the method and the thickness of the spears.
You can season asparagus with salt, pepper, butter, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, cheese, or any other condiments you like. You can also pair asparagus with eggs, bacon, ham, chicken, fish, pasta, rice, or salad. Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can complement any meal.
Wrapping It Up!
Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable that you can grow and harvest in your own garden. It's easy to care for, once you know how to harvest asparagus properly.
You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall and before the tips start to open up. You should cut the spears at the base and leave some on the plant to grow into ferns. It would be best to store asparagus in the refrigerator for later use.
And yes, you should also enjoy the many benefits and flavors of asparagus, by cooking it in various ways and pairing it with different dishes. Asparagus is a springtime delight that you don't want to miss.
Learn More About:
Planting & Harvesting Mint
7 Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits
Shower pods are the best thing that has entered the London market in recent years. They're perfect for achieving that modern and sleek vibe, making your home look minimalist. Additionally, the pods make sure that your bathrooms stay clean, free from water spills and splashes from your energetic little ones. So, shower pods are very functional and quite handy to have around especially if you are starting a family. They allow you to have more time to spend for yourself since you won't need to clean up water puddles every few seconds.
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your shower pods in tip-top shape. Here are two crucial things you should remember to make sure that your shower pods will still be in good condition even after a few years.
Different Ways To Maintain The Shower Pods
There are several factors that you have to consider while you want to maintain your shower pods in all possible manners. Work out the plans that can help you to achieve your goals in the best possible ways.
1. Mould prevention
Any shower will eventually grow mould if not cleaned regularly. You should immediately remove mould to avoid health complications. In a mouldy environment, you may be more prone to coughing, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation. It would also pose a serious risk to those who have mould allergies or lung illnesses.
Mould loves to grow in moist environments, and that’s why even shower pods are vulnerable to it. To effectively clean mould, use a damp cloth to wipe every available surface you see in your shower pod. For stubborn ones, you need to make a DIY solution by mixing 1-part bleach and 1-part water. Spray the DIY solution onto the affected area and wait for at least 15-20 minutes. You can rinse the surface afterward. Repeat the process as necessary. To avoid mould from growing in the future, you should open at least one window in your bathroom. It will ensure that there will be proper ventilation and airflow to prevent humidity inside.
2. Glass cleaning
All pods have shower glass which is what makes them famous in the home fixture market. The shower glass needs to be cleaned at least once a week to maintain its sheen and beautiful finish. The cause of this is the shampoo and soap deposits that stick to the shower door glass while you’re bathing. You need to clean your shower pod often. If you do it regularly, all deposits will be easily removed, and it won’t require too much of your time to clean it.
Additionally, you need to drain all the water and dry the shower after use. It will significantly benefit you because there will be no accumulation of soap scum sticking to your glass.
Sometimes, stubborn deposits won’t be easily removed. Apply a glass cleaner to ensure that the glass door is sparkly clean. Use a clean paper towel to apply the glass cleaner and spread the solution in a circular motion. Leave it to do its magic for a few minutes. You’ll see the beautiful result after rinsing it off.
When you do these things, you can guarantee that your shower pod will last you a lifetime. Not to mention you can better protect your family from unwanted diseases and other health problems.
Final Words
Hence, these are some of the factors that you have to take care of while you want to maintain your shower pods in all the possible manners. Do not make your choices in grey while you want to improve the arrangements of the shower pods. Shower pods can make things work in your favor if you select the best one for yourself. Do not make your choices in the wrong direction in all possible manners.
Read Also :
Bathroom Remodeling Tips And Ideas
Bathroom Upgrades You Should Consider
Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom
A home is more than just four-wall confinement to provide shelter. Sense of security, range of emotions, the commemoration of establishments, symbol of status, and more, all are some of the many aspects related to becoming a homeowner.
There are certain risks to achieve the absolute benefits of homeownership. It covers several social, personal, and financial advantages over monthly renting. Owning a house should represent your financial stability, emotional success, and community contribution.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals about 60% of Americans have homeownership. This lofty percentage is due to continued economic expansion with surging educational access. Settling for a home directly is thus more appealing for conscious people like yourself.
Concerning the monetary facts, you’re sure to enjoy an extended number of benefits. You can learn more at https://paradisedevelopments.com/blog/communities/renting-vs-buying-in-toronto/, the expert suggestions, practical ideas, and in-depth details are sure to relieve your headache associated with homeownership.
Financial Requirements Of Homeownership
Almost every person understands the financial prerequisites of owning a home. In fact, it appears to be the most invigorating point of homeownership. Initial investment requires you to spend an incredibly high amount of money. But the outcome is sure to make a satisfying payoff with time. The pointed facts should explain the obvious advantages in brief.
Building Equity: The possessed value of any given asset is represented as equity. In fact, monthly mortgage payment lets you establish equity for your house. Direct contribution to the physical asset explicitly differs from monthly rental payments to landlords.
Long-Term Saving: Equity happens to initiate certain savings for your financially stable future. There are a number of strategies available to tap into equity. Even a minimal saving per month will aggregate massive savings after several years. Several studies indicate peak outcomes on your retirement ages to suggest retiree savings.
Building Wealth: The value of properties is burgeoning right now. Therefore, it will help you sell the home for a notable profit after years of use. Although short-term use can’t exactly have a significant payoff; however, long-term consideration, like 30 years plus, will provide you with a great profit.
Expense Control: There are different uncertainties involved in rental living. But ownership lets you skip the issues with less fixed payments. The amount lets you reimburse the overall expense for every month. And you can initiate absolute control over your costs.
Financial Education: Ownership immediately starts to develop a personalized understanding of your financial knowledge. Likewise, you’ll have to deal with many financial aspects. It becomes easy to predict the probable costs, letting you plan ahead of time. The educational skills regarding its management will surely help future generations.
Taxation Aspects Of Homeownership
Attractive tax breaks on ownership are sure to give you definite relief from complex regulations. Many deductions should occupy your applicable Federal Tax rules following the purchase. Check out the benefits closely to understand their viability.
Property Tax Deduction: Distinctive jurisdiction allows you to check the deduction of property taxes. There are several regulations regarding the aspect. It requires your attention to the usable points.
Home Sales Profit: Exemption in capital gain tax can cover thousands of dollars on selling. Though taxation eligibility requires you to occupy the benefits. It should follow the sale of homeownership.
Reduced Mortgage Interest: Almost every payable home mortgage interest remains tax-deductible. Therefore, the curtailed mortgage interest triggers a particular deduction of your taxable income.
Imputed Home Rent: Every landlord that provides rental living space has to pay taxes on the income. But it has nothing to do with homeownership. You can skip the hassles of additional tax regulations.
Credit Builder: There are many direct or indirect factors that contribute to your credit score. Owning a home improves the average credit account length. And it simply manages to push the score forward.
Additional Aspects That Remains Underrated
Alongside the benefits, there are several other factors to consider. The extra aspects often remain neglected, ignored, or unnoticed.
Inflation Hedge: Rental costs or housing payments keep pace with the ongoing inflation rate. Continued inflation obviously affects your overall expense.
Borrowing Power: Superior home equity results in further eligibility of borrowing money. A credit line or particular load on home equity suffices for a second mortgage. And the loan can provide financial support. It can include, medical bills, tuition fees, home improvements, or additional purchases.
These are all the monetary benefits of homeownership. There are several social benefits to ownership as well. You don’t have to deal with landlord permissions or restrictions on any change. The emotional and financial security you get from owning a home provides great relief. There remains no uncertain rental stay. Possessing a home becomes a symbol of personal accomplishments to raise the status. Freedom of full customization lets you check the possibilities towards further development.
Encountering The Risks
Talking about homeownership, the discussion remains incomplete without discussing its risks. You must consider the current financial aspects to back your expensive investment. In fact, high maintenance costs are likely to give you trouble. It’s particularly true for houses that feature minimal facilities. A poorly maintained home can also reduce the property value.
More Resources:
Benefits of Investing in City Centre Property
Buy to Let Mortgage Explained
What are the key pillars of a profitable Airbnb business?
