Published on: 15 December 2017
Last Updated on: 17 August 2019
There are many reasons why flooding occurs, and it also comes in different shape, form and amount. It might be due to severe weather conditions or a leak in the plumbing. What you need to think about following a flood is how to salvage anything that wasn’t damaged beyond repair, primarily your furniture.
As water damage can wreak severe havoc on your home, you are likely going to have to call in a restoration contractor like KIC Restoration to take care of your home’s infrastructure. But salvaging your furniture can be a less complicated process you can deal with on your own.
If flooding is a consequence of a storm or hurricane you would probably get a notification in advance to prepare and avoid as much destruction as possible. Get all the furniture to a safe space in your home like the upper floors or cover them to protect them from the water as much as possible. After the flood is finally over, the first thing you need to do is check is if it is safe to return. While you’re at it, make sure to wear proper clothing.
When you’ve made sure that it is safe to enter and you’ve put on protective gear, you can start inspecting the furniture and roughly separate them into salvageable and unsalvageable.
Next, you can focus on the salvageable pieces of furniture and inspect if repairs would cost more than just replacing the items. Sentimental value also comes into play as you would want to save all the pieces that have been in your family for long, no matter the extent of the damage. But this is up to you.
Upholstered Furniture
Some types of furniture like upholstered furniture might be difficult to save especially if it has been in the water for too long. Chances are these items have already developed bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, etc. This might have severe consequences to your health later on. You should move the furniture to someplace to dry. If it’s too heavy to move you can place aluminum foil or a similar material underneath it, just to keep it away from wet floors.
As mentioned above, upholstered furniture might cause problems because it is a great absorbent. It is particularly dangerous if it has been sitting for too long in contaminated water. If the flood wasn’t too big, you might still have a good chance of salvaging it. You should then remove the upholstery fabrics from the wood or any other colored parts to prevent color bleed. Then you need to dry it to the fullest to prevent mildew and mold from developing, which is likely to happen if the piece of furniture is more than 20% wet.
It is worth noting that this kind of furniture is very hard to salvage and the best and easiest thing to do is just to throw it all away unless of course it is antique or has a high value. Then it is best to hire a professional to do the job, as it would probably be necessary to completely strip it down and replace some parts.
Mattresses
Mattresses are also very difficult to handle. If the flooding wasn’t too severe, if the mattress hasn’t been soaked in water for too long, and if the water was clean it is possible to salvage it. The best thing to do is take it out and let the sun dry it naturally. You can use blocks to keep it above ground and a fan to speed up drying. If you sense a musty odor then mattress probably has mildew growing inside, in which case you’ll need the help of a professional to restore it.
If your mattress has been underwater for too long mold has likely already spread, and it is probably contaminated beyond salvation. The only thing you can do here is to replace it.
Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture might have the best chance to get salvaged especially if it wasn’t in the water for too long. It is possible to restore if the damage was not too big. It is crucial to clean it and dry it as much as possible to prevent mold and fungi development. Wiping and blotting can do the trick here, but only for furniture that was not in the water too long or was lightly damaged.
You can clean white mildew spots by using turpentine or a mix of water and ammonia. The sooner you start drying the furniture, the higher the chance of salvaging it.
Heavily Damaged Furniture
Heavily damaged furniture which was in the water for too long is a different story. The best plan is to separate all easily removable parts like drawers and doors. Avoid forcing them if they are stuck. Just let them dry out and you will be able to pull them out later on when bloating is reduced.
You can clean mud and dirt with a hose and then dry it in a room or other area with good ventilation. You should definitely avoid exposing it directly to the sun as it might cause it to deform. The process of drying takes several weeks or months. Only after it is completely dry can you start restoring the furniture.
Contact KIC Restoration Inc of San Diego at 12170 Tech Center Dr, Poway, CA 92064, USA; 858-859-1998 or visit kicrestoration to learn more.
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Grass or greenery has various health benefits to humans. The green color energizes you, makes you active and looks great in front of your home. But maintaining the grass is very tough, especially when you have a tight daily routine with you. Meeting the work deadlines is difficult enough and consumes the boastful energy in of the day, and taking out time for gardening does not seem possible at all. Although weekends seem to be empty they are already piled with other necessary projects.
Installation of the artificial turf can be very helpful for those who have less time to maintain their green packs around their homes. Artificial grass can be way helpful and here are top 7 reasons to get an artificial turf at your home.
Top 7 reasons to get installed an artificial turf :
While getting artificial grass, it is really hard to differentiate between the real one, unless you have a closer look. Another good point is less maintenance after you have installed the artificial grass.
1. Forget mowing :
Well, sounds strange, but it’s true! With the artificial turf, you don’t have to mow your garden. This stuff does not grow and remains clean and tidy until its lifetime. You can avail the turf is varying lengths and heights of the grass flacks, allowing you to transform your garden the way you want it.
2. Yes! No more watering :
Maintaining the garden might be a good habit and necessity, but it needs proper timing. But the artificial grass won't turn brown, die or create bare patches in the streaming summers. So, there is no necessity to water this grass and it provides the similar look the year-round, makes your home exterior looks superior to others.
3. No feeding or sowing :
With natural grass, you have to feed it with organic feed, insecticides, or sowing. This is done to avoid patching in the grass which looks awful. Most of the time pets and placing outdoor furniture make these patches and it is hard to recover them. Artificial grass does not require such feeding and it can withstand the external disturbances.
4. Zero maintenance :
What’s worse than maintaining your garden on a hot day, instead of going out or enjoying out with your friends? Well, you get your Saturdays and Sundays which is mostly consumed in maintaining your garden by watering, mowing and sowing. By the installation of the artificial turf, you get rid of maintaining your garden and make you free to make effective use of your important time.
5. Save money :
Though gardening might not be that expensive but overall if one calculates on a longer-term, it consumes a lot. With the artificial grass, you don’t have to buy the heavy machines like a lawnmower, no watering, nor to buy the grass seeds or feeds to make it lush green. Installing artificial grass is far more beneficial be saving you tons of money and zero maintenance costs.
6. Quit allergies :
Most of your friends and family members might have allergic problems with natural grass. They might be conquered by fever, or cold due to the pollen grains. But with artificial grass, there is no more pollen activity making it safer to use. Now, enjoy more time with your artificial turf and be healthy and allergy-prone.
7. It can increase property value :
Interested to sell your property and seeing for buyers to give more amount than the market price? Well, a well-maintained garden can hike the rate of your property. Most of the buyers look for a neat and clean garden in front of their home. Beautifying your property exteriors will surely increase your property value.
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Whether you are looking for a comprehensive roof repair service for an old building or a new roof installation, employing a professional commercial & roofing company can help you achieve your investment goals in a cost-effective manner. That being said, due to prevalent misconceptions about roofing services, may commercial property owners overlook the importance of hiring a professional roofer that not only enhance the life of the roof but also adds value to overall property investment. This blog post covers five common myths about commercial roofing companies and their services that commercial property owners must avoid to realize the real benefits of commercial roofing companies.
Myth 1: “Roofing is a one-time investment”
Regular roof maintenance program helps in keeping your roof in shape. It also preserves the roof warranty, as many manufacturers nullify the warranty if they find out that the particular roof lacked proper attention. Additionally, having a proper roof maintenance plan in place helps investors in filing a roof insurance claim.
Image source: azhandymanroofing.biz
Myth 2: “All commercial roofing companies are the same”
As a commercial property owner, you should not make a mistake of trusting every local roofing contractor. It is likely that the contractor you hire turns out to be a “storm chaser” who set-up a temporary office in a particular region and then moves to another storm hit location. This, in turn, can affect you in the long run, when you require their assistance for warranty or other services, as they won’t be there for the help. Search for reputable commercial roofing companies that will always be there to assist you at every step.
Myth 3: “Cheap roofing materials can get the job done”
The type of roofing material that goes in your roofing system has a great impact on its long term sustenance. It is, therefore, important to choose the right material suiting your needs, prevalent climatic condition, and the budget. That is when a professional roofer can help you select the right roofing material without having to run from pillar to post.
Myth 4: “Roof repair is a DIY Job”
It is usually less expensive to fix things using a DIY approach, but for a job as complex as a roof repair or installation, DIY is not the right thing to do. The complexity of the project requires expertise, the right set of tools, and safety measures to ensure quality repair or installation. A licensed roofer has required expertise and skills to examine and carry out roof repair in a cost-effective manner.
Myth 5: “Gutters play no role in the roofing system”
You are committing a huge mistake if you overlook the maintenance of roof gutter as part of your roof repair services. While roof shields the home from rainwater, gutters keep the rainwater away from the exterior walls and foundation. Over time, unkempt gutters accumulate debris resulting in clogged gutters that can lead to backward flow of water and ultimately roof leaks. Therefore, regular gutter inspection, cleaning, and maintenance is a must to prevent roof leaks.
Wrapping Up
Regular roof maintenance is important for all type of commercial units. Don’t let the myths mentioned in this post prevent yours from hiring professional commercial roofing companies that not only enhance the life of your roofing system but also add value to your investment. For more details about roofing services and its benefits, get in touch with a reputable commercial roofing company that can help you keep the best foot forward.
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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
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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.
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