Raising the value of your home can seem like an impossible task at first, particularly if you are working with a restrictive budget. However, it is not impossible. In this article, we will be looking into some of the simple ways that you can increase the value of your home with ease.
Replace The Doors And Windows
When looking to put your home on the market you want it to look its best. As a result, you may want to consider replacing the doors and windows, particularly if you are dealing with a draft of any kind. This will not only improve the curb appeal of your home, but it can also help to improve the energy usage of your home making it more appealing for those looking to purchase.
Makeover The Kitchen And Living Room
As the central hub of the home, the kitchen and the living room re the first two areas that you should consider modernizing. One of the easiest ways to do this is to paint the walls a neutral color. This will make the home more appealing to those hoping for a blank canvas, in addition to this, it is likely to brighten up the room as a whole. The living room can also be modernized and transformed by incorporating a custom-designed canvas using a next day canvas prints service for your home.
Improve The Look Of Your Garden
If you are lucky enough to have garden space, this needs to look the best that it can be at all times. By improving the front garden with flowers and taking care of the tress you are then making it seem more appealing to the buyer when they have a first impression. It is then time to consider the back garden. By mowing the lawn, tending to the flowerbeds, and removing any unwanted weeds in the patio, you can improve the curb appeal as well as the value of your home over time. Though this will take some man-hours, this will make it look more appealing to the listing.
Create A Driveway
The final way that you can boost the curb appeal for your home is to generate a driveway. If you have a vast amount of space outside the front of the house, sprucing up your driveway will make the home more appealing for those that have multiple cars or a family. Whether this is gated or just left open, this can help to limit on the road parking and raise the value of your home. IF you already have a driveway, it is recommended that you remove the weeds and clean the bricks or concrete to make it looks its best.
Whether you are in the process of selling, or you are considering it in the near future, some of these small little tips can help you to raise the property value of your home and sell it for the full amount that you would like.
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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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Starting the process of tidying up and arranging your home might feel overwhelming, but it's incredibly rewarding.
A clean, organized space not only brings a sense of calmness but also sets the stage for enjoyable moments with loved ones.
This beginner's manual on cleaning and organizing equips you with the essentials to kickstart your journey towards a serene living environment.
So, let's get started with it.
Step - 1: Begin Your Journey with Something Small
Beginning with a small area can help alleviate the overwhelming feeling of cleaning and organizing your home. For example, starting in just one room or a tiny section within a room can reduce the stress associated with the task.
Once you've tidied up and organized that small space, it tends to inspire further progress.
It's like a chain reaction— as soon as you initiate the process, you'll often find the motivation to continue. The sense of accomplishment from cleaning that initial space acts as a catalyst, propelling you to tackle more cleaning and organizing tasks.
Step - 2: Declutter Your Rooms. All of Them!
Before diving into organizing, it's crucial to declutter thoroughly.
Start with a smaller space like your fridge. Empty its content, discarding expired or inedible items. Clean all of the surfaces using a damp cloth and your preferred all-purpose cleaner.
When clearing out various areas in your home, prioritize keeping only the things you truly need or cherish. If it's challenging to part with certain items, remember they might serve someone else while giving you more room at home.
Consider donating or selling belongings you no longer adore. Discard broken, incomplete, or heavily worn-out items. Items that are no longer in use—like old toys, baby gear, clothes, or furniture—can find new homes through donation or sale.
This decluttering not only creates space for other purposes but also makes it easier to access and appreciate the things you genuinely value and use.
Step 3: Get a Cleaning Caddy for Yourself
Before starting your home cleaning routine, it's helpful to prepare a portable cleaning kit that you can easily carry around.
You don't need a multitude of cleaners or tools—just include what you'll actually use. Your cleaning kit can be as simple as a bucket, plastic bin, canvas bag with handles, or any larger container that suits your convenience.
Whether store-bought or homemade, the key is to have a portable solution that suits your needs as you move from room to room.
Step 4: Keep the Surfaces Clean
After completing the decluttering process, it's crucial to tidy up the space before organizing. Quickly cleaning the area will impart a fresh feel, enhancing the likelihood of maintaining its cleanliness for an extended period.
Here are some cleaning tips that you might need…
Create a cleaning caddy for easy access to supplies.
Then clean from higher surfaces downward to catch falling debris as you progress.
Utilize a vacuum attachment to clear drawers, shelves, cabinets, or closets of any remaining debris.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe surfaces, ensuring thorough cleaning. Remove any items that don't belong in the cleaned area.
Step - 5: Organize Everything
The crucial element in home organization is to gather similar items together.
Whether it's your refrigerator, pantry, kitchen cabinets, bathroom, living room, kids' rooms, closets, or garage, arranging items of the same kind is essential for easy access and visibility. Scattered items make it difficult to locate what you need and can lead to clutter.
By grouping similar items, you create a clear system that helps in both finding items and guiding your family when it comes to tidying up.
I: How to Organize Your Kitchen?
It's beneficial to begin organizing your kitchen by focusing on a small area first, as this can inspire you to tackle other spaces. The kitchen often serves as the hub of a home and sees frequent use, making it a great starting point.
Once you've sorted out your kitchen, the task of taking care of the rest of your house becomes more manageable. A smart step in this process is to begin with your refrigerator. Streamlining your fridge organization can serve as a catalyst for organizing other areas.
II: Organizing Your Fridge
Arranging your refrigerator involves categorizing similar food items–together for better organization. With adjustable shelves and doors, along with additional bins, you can optimize the space quite easily. Clear plastic bins are particularly helpful as they allow easy visibility of their contents. They're convenient for accessing snacks, packing lunches, and planning meals.
Here are examples of foods that should be grouped together either in bins, on shelves, or in drawers for a more organized fridge...
Bagged fruits and vegetables
Cheeses and lunch meals
Fresh vegetables and fruits
Sauces and condiments
Salad dressings
III: Organizing the Other Parts of Your House
After you've sorted one area, take the same approach to the rest of your house.
Use the refrigerator organization tips as a template for each room: clear out unnecessary items, tidy up, and then arrange everything neatly.
Remember, the key is to tackle each room gradually to avoid feeling swamped, following the same method each time.
If there are any similar types of items available in your house, group them together.
Clean the area once you are done with the former step.
Get rid of anything and everything that you don't want to use.
Step 6: Disinfect the Surface Areas and Countertops
Clean the hard surfaces around your home thoroughly, including countertops, appliances, cabinets, doorknobs, light switches, TV remotes, and phones.
Disinfect surfaces that are commonly touched to reduce the spread of germs.
Create a natural disinfectant by combining one-fourth to half a cup of white or apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. They'll work like magic for you.
Make It a Group Activity
Collaborating as a team is a top-notch method for swiftly tidying up a house. Plan ahead with your family for a designated time and distribute specific chores among everyone.
Joining forces not only injects some enjoyment into the cleaning process but also ensures a sparkling home in no time.
You can also opt for a reputable cleaning service that can help you with the process. It can seem a little more expensive than usual, but it's much more sustainable per see.
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Big leaf plants can add an aesthetic touch to your home. If you are an admirer of home decoration, you cannot miss indoor plants as a part of your decoration.
Indoor plants require very minimum sunlight, and they are pretty easy to take care of. But, most important of all– they keep your indoor environment refreshed and fill it with fresh oxygen.
So, if you want to decorate your sweet home with beautiful big leaf aesthetic plants, you need to check out the few recommendations I have here in this article.
10 Best Big Leaf Plants For Indoors
If you are looking for recommendations for indoor plants with big leaves, please check out the ten recommendations I have here.
1. Swiss Cheese Plant
The botanical name of the Swiss Cheese Plant is Monstera deliciosa. This tropical beauty is enough to add a green touch to your indoors. It has big heart-shaped leaves to adorn your indoors. They do well if you keep them in indirect sunlight.
The heart-shaped leaves can grow up to 36 inches in length, and they are healthy for your indoor environment.
☀ Sun: They need bright but indirect sunlight.
🌡️Temperature: They are tropical plants, so you need to keep them in warm places. A temperature between 20°C - 30°C is ideal
💦Watering: You need to keep the soil wet most of the time. Watering them ⅔ times every week is enough.
🌷Type Of Soil: The soil needs to be moist and adequate fertilizers. A pH level of 5.5 to 7.5 works the best.
2. Dwarf Banana Plant
You can keep a large banana plant indoors. They are also big leaf plants. This is a tropical foliage plant that you can plant in a large plant. The leaves have quick growth, and the leaves are harmless to children and animals.
☀Sun: You can keep your Dwarf Banana Plant in full sunlight or in light shade.
🌡️ Temperature: They are big leaf tropical plants, so they enjoy a warm atmosphere. You can keep them at a temperature between 10°C to 33°C.
💦Watering: They need regular Watering– twice/ thrice every week in the warm season water them. Once every week is enough for the cold weather.
🌷Type Of Soil: The soil needs moisture. They need regular fertilizers.
3. Bird Of Paradise
If you want some flowers to highlight the big leaf plants you have indoors, then Bird Of Paradise is just the right plant to choose. These plants have long-lasting flowers and waxy leaves that add extra beauty to your indoors.
☀ Sun: Keep them in semi-shade or in full Sun.
🌡️ Temperature: Medium Temperature between 18°C to 22°C is just fine.
💦Watering: Keep the soil moist. The soil should not get completely dry.
🌷Type Of Soil: They need fertilizers in spring. Well-drained soil is better.
4. Elephant Ear Plant
These are the cheapest big leaf house plants. You can pull them from anywhere and plant them indoors. You can find these plants growing outdoors. These plants are toxic for small children and animals, so if you want to keep them, you need to be very careful.
☀Sun: They don't need full sunlight. Indirect bright sunlight is the best.
🌡️ Temperature: A temperature between 20°C to 30°C is best.
💦 Watering: The soil needs consistent moisture.
🌷Type Of Soil: Acidic, moist soil is the best.
5. Pinstripe Houseplant
Not many tabletop plants look as pretty as the Pinstripe Houseplant. These big leaf plants have gorgeous jungle green color with pink stripes to compliment the big leaves. They aren't too fond of direct bright sunlight. These plants are not harmful to animals and children.
☀ Sun: Keep them in indirect sunlight.
🌡️Temperature: 18°C to 30°C temperature is good enough.
💦Watering: You need to maintain the soil moisture.
🌷Type Of Soil: You peat and pebbles to balance the moisture.
You May Like To Read This: 10 Best Trailing Indoor Plants To Buy In
6. African Mask Plant
These big leaf plants are native plants of the Philippines. They get their name from their resemblance to an African mask. The large dark leaves can grow up to 18 inches. The silvery-white veins of the leaves make them even more attractive.
☀ Sun: Avoid direct sunlight. They love diffused sunlight.
🌡️Temperature: 15°C to 30°C is ideal for them.
💦Watering: They need regular watering during growth. Keep the pot moist and well-drained.
🌷Type Of Soil: Keep the soil well-drained using pebbles. Fertilize frequently after ⅔ months.
7. Majesty Palm
If you are looking for long leaf plants or big leaf indoor plants, the Majesty Palm is the one. They grow ten feet tall indoors. The leaves are toxic for animals and children, so you need to be careful if you are planting them indoors.
☀ Sun: Bright indirect sunlight is best.
🌡️Temperature: 18°C to 30°C is best.
💦 Watering: Water once after 1 or 2 weeks. Let the soil get dry before watering again.
🌷Type Of Soil: The soil is best if it is acidic.
8. Calathea Orbifolia
Are you looking for low-maintenance plants that keep the indoor air purified? Then there is no better option than Calathea Orbifolia. They can remove toxins from the air while also looking pretty with big textured leaves. There are silvery-white forks in the leaves that make them appear outwardly beautiful.
☀ Sun: They love bright sunlight but not direct sunlight.
🌡️Temperature: 18°C to 30°C is enough.
💦Watering: You can water them once or twice every two weeks.
🌷Type Of Soil: Well-drained soils rich in fertilizers are the best.
9. Philodendron Gloriosum
A native plant of Colombia, the Philodendron Gloriosum is a big leaf foliage plant. These plants love to crawl and climb. In humid weather, you can keep them indoors. These big leaf plants have gorgeous pink, light green, and white running across the leaves. The leaves, stems, and roots are toxic for humans and animals.
☀ Sun: Indirect and right sunlight is best.
🌡️Temperature: 7°C to 35°C is good enough.
💦Watering: The soil needs to be damp. You can water two to three times every week.
🌷Type Of Soil: Organic soil rich in fertilizers works the best.
10. Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle-shaped leaves of the Fiddle Leaf Fig are large and waxy. They inhabit their pots quite well. These big leaf plants are poisonous to humans and animals. But they are aesthetic-looking bedroom plants, and they are gorgeous.
☀ Sun: These plants need bright sunlight. Do not keep them in the shade.
🌡️Temperature: 15°C to 30°C is good enough for them.
💦 Watering: Regular Watering is necessary.
🌷Type Of Soil: You need well-fertilized moist soil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here are some frequently asked questions that you may find interesting.
Q1. How To Care For Big Leaf Plants? Taking care of big leaf aesthetic plants is easy. You need to keep them in medium indirect sunlight and keep the potting soil moist. They don't need frequent fertilizing; once or twice every year is enough. Q2. How Do You Encourage A Big Leaf To Grow? The water, light, fertilizer, soil, and care are all crucial to growing your big leaf plants. Q3. Why Is My Big Leaf Plant Dying? There can be several reasons for this; excessive Watering or little Watering can cause your plant to die. Varying sunlight and bad incompatible soil can also be the reason behind your indoor plant's death. Q4. What Affects Leaf Size? The amount of Sun, water, air, and fertilizer your plant gets has an effect on the leaf size.
Bottom Line
If you want to grow big leaf plants indoors, then you can choose from these ten plants I have recommended here. All of these plants are low maintenance, and they are pretty in look. Aside from that, some of these plants purify your indoor environment.
Did you like this list? Please let us know in the comment; also, if you purchased any of them, let us know which once was your favorite.
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