Published on: 03 October 2017
Last Updated on: 16 August 2019
Adding wall tiles to a backsplash can be a really simple and effective way to spruce up your kitchen sink area, as well as protecting the surface as well. Here we look at the basics.
Home improvements needn’t be expensive, all it takes is a little research and time and you can make a significant difference to the house you live in. Choosing tiles for a kitchen splashback can be a really simple and effective way to spruce up your kitchen sink area, as well as protecting the surface as well. For a project like this, you are likely to need little more than a couple of days to complete it, and a minimal amount of money to achieve a great result, depending on the equipment you already have.
Before You Start
Prepare The Wall
Before you start, clear everything out of the way that may obstruct the job and/ or get broken or damaged while you work. You should also check that the wall is good for tiling as well – chances are you will choose porcelain tiles, which are heavier than more traditional ceramic tiles so the walls need to be up to support their weight. If there is any level of condensation you must wait for the wall to completely naturally dry out before you begin tiling. If the drywall you’re working with isn’t sound, you must repair it before you do any tiling.
Plan The Design
You’ll need to plan your design before you can purchase your equipment or begin the project. Measure how high you want the backsplash to be from the countertop and consider the type of tiles you would like to use. If you are unsure, take a look at sites like Pinterest for inspiration.
Get Your Equipment
When buying your equipment, especially your wall tiles, try to start with more than you need. With porcelain floor tiles or wall tiles, it is always good to have extras in case some get damaged during the job or even years after and you need a replacement tile that matches. In order to determine how much tile requires you need to measure the length and width of the area, you are putting a backsplash on. Simply multiply the length by the width to get your desired wall tile amount. If you don’t know what type of equipment you need for the job, speak to an advisor at the shop or warehouse and they will be able to advise you on the best tools for the job.
Once you have done all the correct preparation, it’s time for you to install your backsplash.
Safety First
The first thing you need to do is make the area you are working in safe. All electrical appliances nearby should be either turned off if they are permanent fixtures, or moved away if they are temporary.
Using a clean cloth, gently wipe the area with warm water and let it dry naturally.
Apply The Adhesive
Using the manufacturer’s instructions, apply your tile adhesive using a tile trowel. Make sure the adhesive is spread thinly and only apply enough adhesive for the area you are tiling, or it will dry before you have applied all the tiles.
Lay The Tiles
Place the first tile at the bottom of the backsplash in the middle. Firmly push the tile on to encourage it to settle into the adhesive and use a level to make sure it isn’t wonky. Use a spacer or piece of cardboard on each corner of the tile and push them into the adhesive well. Continue to lay the tile’s row by row, taking care to remove any adhesive that pushes up through the tile gaps. Ensure you are leaving enough room for grout and checking constantly that the tiles are level.
Cut Tiles Away In A Separate Area
Depending on the equipment you are using, you need to ensure you follow all safety procedures to ensure you are working safely. Ensure you only score tiles where the scored section won’t be showing, and only score tiles when you need to, as the measurements needed may change as the job progresses.
Wipe
Once all the tiles have been laid you can wipe away any adhesive that has seeped out using a clean, damp cloth.
Leave The Tiles To Dry
You must leave the tiles to dry according to the time stated by the adhesive manufacturer. Trying to skip this process will result in an uneven backsplash and tiles that will not remain stable.
Grout
When mixing grout you should be wearing appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and a mouth mark. Grout the tiles precisely and carefully, taking care to wipe away any excess once it becomes firm. Once the grout has dried, you can then wipe the tiles off completely.
Well Done!
You should now have a fancy new backsplash to enjoy in your kitchen! Remember, if you take the time to do the job right, you should end up with a well-done backsplash that will look fantastic and last for years to come.
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The beneficial thing about learning easy to utilize basic cooking tips is the way that anyone can utilize these in the kitchen zone to diminish the time and transform into loose while adapting to present day way of life requests, which have rendered presence so occupied.
The following are just a few from the helpful hints and clues home-creators can join to their every day timetables to arrange dinners and make arrangements nutritious nourishment for your friends and family and guests rapidly, other than staying inside a financial plan.
Some Basic Tips and Tricks of Cooking:
You can keep away from Bacon pieces from contracting by pre-washing them under virus water after which broil them. In addition, the gassy nature of beans could be diminished by pre-splashing these inquiries enormous compartment that a tablespoon of Soda bicarbonate keeps on being included. Another helpful kitchen clue is ideal for bubbling eggs: a small smidgen of salt or maybe a dash of vinegar put into the bubbling water could keep the egg covering unblemished. Cooking its upheld bubbling corn for around 3 minutes, adding it into the dish of bubbling water with no salt to counteract passing up taste and streaming warm water over solidified vegetables which are wedged together.
Grinding cheddar that has been pre-solidified close to 30 minutes can enable it to shred effectively, while a touch of sugar into the hitter of the hotcake will ensure even and quicker sautéing a fast in and out the formula to make a flakey baked good for any cake requires supplanting the teaspoonful of vinegar with water.
Cooking with Unripe Products:
Other crucial cooking tips related with cooking with unripe products of the soil is essentially store these inquiries darker paper bundle pack put away inside a dim bureau for a couple of days and hacking ice shelf lettuce into wedges to spare time used in tearing the vegetables! Another accommodating tip for taking out the acidic taste of tomato plants when cooking spaghetti sauce is mix inside a spot of Soda Bicarbonate into it while thick cream soups produced using tomato plants, mushrooms, chicken and celery allows for good, GlobalSeafoods, moment sauce-formulas as well.
Vinegar contains attributes to quickly discharge common juices of the meat item and encourage its cooking and just a tablespoon of putting into bubbling water when cooking ribs or meat furnishes you with quicker, more delicious stews in a little portion of the time. Also, drenching dried vegetables by 50 percent glasses of water that a tablespoon of vinegar keeps on being included will resuscitate them. To clean sticks produced using wood, pre-assimilate cold water for around twenty minutes will ensure they don't consume as helpless against doing – attempt some major cooking thoughts to lift up your nature of presence.
Importance of Cooking Tips:
Numerous reasons exist why you might need to plan at some phase in your reality. At whatever point you have to set it up is normally brilliant to get help with supportive data or distinctively to most likely figure out how to be viewed as a decent get ready. One thing that may help you an extraordinary arrangement is to find cooking tips. There are heaps of techniques for cooking disconnected and online which will teach you the bounty.
The more prominent cooking tips you find the more noteworthy get comfortable with. It is typically keen to compose bring down the rules to cook or utilize them your pc and you'll find them. This will be noteworthy in such a case that you have been events when you are cooking that you'll need to address to your tips. So keep them helpful, just in circumstance.
Here are a couple of basic cooking tips that you could start utilizing promptly at whatever point you plan. These pointers to cook can enable you to spare your time in the kitchen region just as make cooking less requesting for you by and by. They may likewise spare minimal expenditure. Some of these tips are used through the best culinary specialists everywhere throughout the world.
Excellent Cooking Tips:
One: Obtain a little bit of paper or maybe a white-shaded board that you basically keep by or in your cooler. You have to compose bring down any basic supplies that you'll need when you are shopping.
Two: Before you start cooking anything you like to verify you get every one of your fixings prepared first. Simply, do the majority of your blending, hacking and computing before you start cooking.
Three: You have to get ready and set up the suppers which will feel free to take longest first before you choose to do those that don't take extensive. This aide's everything get ready at the same time. Additionally, while your suppers are preparing that you can do another set-up that will allow something to be accomplished at the same time moreover.
Four: Have a few clocks inside your kitchen. You might want one clock for each dish you'll be cooking. This should enable you to concentrate on your work rather of endeavoring to mentally watch out for what time each dish arrives.
Five: You wouldn't need your dishes to wind up sliding wherever at whatever point you endeavor to mix or blend the formulas, with the goal that you can without much of a stretch block this from occurring by putting the bowl onto a towel before you choose to mix.
Six: It is easy to prevent a pot from bubbling over by putting a toothpick between your top and furthermore the pot. You may likewise do that with secured goulash dishes.
Cooking Tips: Conclusion
These aren't all the cooking tips you should know yet they're those that may help you presumably the most when cooking. Make a point to discover as various methodologies for cooking as conceivable since the more tips you will locate the more straightforward cooking will be for you by and by.
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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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The world of art is vast and diverse, with countless mediums and forms explored and celebrated throughout history. While traditional canvas paintings have long held a special place in the hearts of art enthusiasts, a realm of artistic expression goes beyond the canvas and is found in framed wall art. This article delves into the fascinating world of framed wall art, exploring its unique characteristics, diverse styles, and how it can elevate any living space's aesthetic.
A Unique Medium
As the name suggests, framed wall art is enclosed within a frame. This medium offers a departure from conventional canvas painting by adding an extra layer of dimension and sophistication to the artwork. The frame becomes an integral part of the composition, enhancing the overall visual impact of the piece. These frames come in various materials, including wood, metal, and acrylic, allowing for a wide range of styles and aesthetics to be explored.
Diverse Styles and Themes
One of the most captivating aspects of wall art is the sheer diversity of styles and themes available. Whether looking for a penchant for classic art, contemporary design, or something unique, one will find framed art that resonates with your taste. The possibilities are endless, from abstract expressions of color and form to realistic portrayals of nature and culture.
In-Home Decor
Framed art has emerged as a favored choice for interior decorators and homeowners looking to infuse their living spaces with artistry and personality. Its versatility is a critical factor in its popularity. Art on the wall can suit your vision, whether to create a focal point in a room, add a subtle touch of elegance, or convey a particular theme.
Choosing the Right Piece
Selecting the right framed artistic pieces for your space is an art form. Consider your room's existing color palette and decor style to ensure that the artwork complements the ambiance. Additionally, consider the wall's size and the piece's desired impact. A large, bold framed artwork can become a captivating centerpiece, while smaller pieces can be grouped to create a gallery-like atmosphere.
The Impact
This art form can transform a room, evoking emotions, sparking conversations, and leaving a lasting impression on anyone who enters. It can reflect your personality, tell a story, or add a touch of beauty to your surroundings. The beauty of this art lies in its ability to engage and inspire, making it a valuable addition to any space.
How To Beautify A Space Using A Walled Art Frame?
Be it your home decor or getting a gallery ready, beautifying a space with a walled art frame is a lot of work. Easy, it may sound, but it requires a certain level of expertise to decorate your space using intricate art piece/s. A blank wall acts as a canvas; it is a missed opportunity for decor. A bare wall is a perfect canvas for sharing stories and revealing your identity through wall art.
If the above tips weren't enough, we're bringing ideas to elevate your wall decor and be the talking point for your dinner parties.
1. Be sure to make the art reflect who you are
We all have interests and hobbies that reflect that we are more than just our professional selves. There is more to our personalities than what we share at work! When you decide to put up an art piece on your wall, you show a piece of your personality. A part of you is inviting guests to speak more on it, taking the conversation forward for the rest of your party.
It's not as complicated as it sounds, but choosing pieces that convey your love for some place or a thing is quite simple. You may deeply love an artist such as Monet or Picasso. Or you may be a superfan of a comic company such as Marvel or DC (the best is obviously....this one's an unsettled debate, let it stay that way.)
Let the art piece show your love for a quirky fashion item, sense of humor, latest trends, or the classics. Find art that is an accurate representation of your personality.
2. Make a wall centerpiece that mixes art pieces.
Need help figuring out where to start? Try to coordinate a few colors to contrast with the wall color. Or choose something that has a common theme, creating one big art piece. You can experiment with the theme and create a piece that catches people's eyes. Don't just stick to canvases or paintings; reach out for quirky designs, vintage art pieces, or photographs. The point is to let your mind create something that genuinely feels like you.
3. Aim for a vibe.
Consider using the spare wall to fill up the space and add a dimension to your room. For example, if you have to decorate the wall space in your yoga room, you may consider adding oil on a canvas of white lilies/lilies. This would bring a sense of calm to the room. Similarly, change the wall art in your room and create an immaculate vibe.
4. Create your art!
What's better than adding a completely unique art piece with your personal touch as well? Art is not meant to be perfect, so don't worry if you are no Picasso! Even Picasso wasn't "Picasso" until the people recognized his work! No famous artist was "The one" until people showed their work with appreciation.
So pick a blank canvas, sit with your thoughts for a while, and channel the thoughts with every brushstroke.
These were all the additional tips to make your boring walls interesting, giving an elegant touch to your space.
Conclusion
In artistry, framed wall art is a testament to the endless possibilities of creative expression. Its unique blend of form and function and its ability to adapt to various styles and themes make it a captivating choice for art enthusiasts and home decorators. Whether seeking to enhance the aesthetic of your living space or appreciate the beauty of art in all its forms, wall art offers a captivating journey of discovery and expression.
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