Published on: 27 January 2021
Last Updated on: 24 December 2024
Throughout the year our gardens are constantly changing from season to season, which creates a fresh and exciting feel every month. From beautiful blooms in the spring to crisp, frosty layers during the winter, our gardens always provide a captivating aesthetic to enjoy. When it comes to the winter months, many people neglect their gardens and wait until the warmer days arrive again, but this shouldn’t be the case. There are lots of ways to keep your garden looking its best throughout the winter, including adding a deer fence to protect your garden and property from animals and wildlife, and here’s other tips…
Invest in a Greenhouse
Greenhouses are a must for anyone keen to continue gardening during the winter months and maintain a beautiful garden aesthetic. From the moment you introduce a greenhouse, you open up your gardening options, giving you the chance to work on all kinds of wonderful projects. You’ll also find that a greenhouse helps to bring character to the garden, adding to the overall look of your outdoor space. A greenhouse also enables you to work on projects that may need a little encouragement in a warm environment, before adding them back to your garden to help brighten the area and enhance the aesthetic.
Take a look at Two West’s wide selection of greenhouses here to find the right fit for your garden.
Embrace Winter Colour
Keep your garden looking bright and colorful by adding a selection of winter-blooming plants to your pots and beds. From winter-blooming daphne to pansies and cyclamen, you can bring an assortment of gorgeous winter colors to really bring life to your garden. Whether you opt to plant these bloomed plants during the winter for instant color, or you decide to plant your seeds earlier in the year for winter blooms, you can create a stunning aesthetic and add a trendy feel to your garden.
Find the perfect winter blooms here available at Dobies to bring a seasonal touch to your garden.
Install Outdoor Lighting
Having a display of outdoor lighting can really help to illuminate your exterior, not only adding to the overall aesthetic but also enhancing your home’s security. There are lots of different ways to introduce lighting, from subtle lights positioned neatly along the outskirts of your lawn or along the path, to brighter lights that stand tall and brighten the whole space. Do a little research into different types of outdoor lighting to see which would work best with your home’s style and layout and invest in the best style for you. It’ll be much easier to enjoy your garden on those darker evenings once you have your outdoor lighting fitted.
Visit Lights.co.uk here to find inspiration for outdoor lighting to introduce to your home and garden.
Frequently Sweep Up Leaves
Many people see sweeping up the leaves in the garden to be a pointless task, as sooner or later they’ll be back to sweep up again. This may be the case, but by sweeping up the leaves you are able to keep your garden looking its best, even during the winter. Leaves and generic debris can create a very messy, untidy look for the garden so it’s always beneficial to keep on top of sweeping them off to the side or removing them from flower beds and your lawn area. You’ll be amazed how much of a difference this small but practical task will make!
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Being a gardener, I know Spinach is one of the most popular and versatile leafy greens you can grow in your garden. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest spinach the right way so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest spinach, so it keeps growing. I will also explain how to harvest spinach seeds, how to store and freeze spinach, and the health benefits of spinach. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your spinach harvest. So, keep on reading till the end to learn more, and thank me later!
Driven by Benefits: Why are People Growing Spinach?
Spinach is not only tasty but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye Health
Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Spinach also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood Pressure
Spinach is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Spinach also contains folate. This helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Spinach is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Spinach also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune System
Spinach is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Spinach also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Spinach is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This improves the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also supports the immune system.
Skin And Hair
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, which are essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How To Harvest Spinach So It Keeps Growing
One of the best things about spinach is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season if you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest spinach is when the leaves are young and tender. This is usually about 40 to 50 days after planting. You can also harvest baby spinach leaves earlier, about 25 to 30 days after planting.
You should harvest spinach before it starts to bolt. This is when it produces flowers and seeds and becomes bitter and tough. Spinach usually bolts when the days get longer and warmer. So, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem, or cut individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
You should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil, to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. Moreover, you should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the spinach leaves as soon as possible after harvesting, to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. You can use a colander or a salad spinner to rinse the leaves under cold water. After this, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. Additionally, you should remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the spinach leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. We'll explain how to store and freeze spinach in the next sections.
How to Harvest Spinach Seeds?
If you want to save some spinach seeds for the next season or share them with your friends and family, you must let some spinach plants bolt and produce flowers and seeds. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach seeds:
Select the best plants to save seeds from
It would be best if you chose healthy, vigorous, and productive plants with the desired characteristics. Some of these are the flavor, size, color, and disease resistance.
Apart from these, you should also avoid saving seeds from hybrid varieties, as they will not produce true-to-type plants. You should look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, which will produce plants that are similar to the parent plants.
Isolate the plants to prevent cross-pollination
Spinach is a wind-pollinated crop, which means that it can cross-pollinate with other spinach plants or related plants, such as beets, chard, or quinoa, within a distance of up to a mile. This can result in seeds that have different traits than the parent plants. To prevent cross-pollination, you should isolate the plants you want to save seeds from, by either planting them far away from other spinach plants or related plants, or covering them with a mesh bag or a cage.
Let the plants flower and set seeds
You should let the plants bolt and produce flowers, which are small and yellow, and then wait for the seeds to form and mature. The seeds are round and black, and they are enclosed in a spiny husk. The seeds are ready to harvest when they are dry and hard, and the husks are brown and brittle, usually about four to six weeks after flowering.
Harvest and clean the seeds
You should cut the seed stalks and place them in a paper bag or a bucket, and then shake or rub them to release the seeds from the husks.
Furthermore, you should then winnow the seeds, which separates the seeds from the chaff or the husks and other debris. You can do this by blowing or fanning the seeds or using a screen or a sieve. You should end up with clean and shiny seeds.
Store the seeds
It would be best if you stored the spinach seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a jar, a tin, or a plastic bag. You should also label the seeds with the variety name and the date of harvest. Besides, you can store the spinach seeds for up to five years, but they will germinate better if you use them within two to three years.
How to Store and Freeze Spinach?
Spinach is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve spinach for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze spinach:
Store spinach in the refrigerator
You can store fresh spinach in the refrigerator for up to a week if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. However, you should avoid washing the spinach before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the spinach just before using it.
Freeze spinach raw
You can freeze raw spinach without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw spinach will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw spinach, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw spinach for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze spinach blanched
You can freeze blanched spinach, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw spinach. To freeze blanched spinach, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for one to two minutes, depending on the size of the leaves.
You should then drain and cool the leaves, and squeeze out the excess water. You can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Furthermore, you can freeze blanched spinach for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
Things to Keep in Mind: How to Grow Spinach Successfully?
Spinach is a cool-season crop that grows best in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. It can tolerate light frost but not heat or drought. Spinach also prefers moist, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here are some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully:
Choose the right variety
There are many types of spinach, but the most common varieties are savoy, semi-savoy, and flat-leafed. Savoy spinach has dark green, crinkly leaves that are great for salads and wraps. Semi-savoy spinach has slightly curled leaves that are more resistant to diseases and bolting. Flat-leafed spinach has smooth, broad leaves that are easy to clean and process. You can also choose spinach varieties based on their maturity time, bolt resistance, flavor, and color. Bloomsdale, Tyee, Space, Melody, and Red Kitten are popular spinach varieties.
Sow the seeds
You can sow spinach seeds directly in the garden, or start them indoors and transplant them later. The best time to sow spinach seeds is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also sow spinach seeds every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
Besides this, you should sow the seeds about half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. You should water the seeds well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the spinach seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about four to six inches of space between each plant, and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the spinach plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
Depending on the variety, you can start harvesting spinach leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 25 to 50 days after sowing. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should harvest spinach in the morning, when the leaves are crisp and fresh, and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest spinach before it starts to bolt, which is when it produces flowers and seeds, and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Use Spinach in Different Cuisines and Recipes?
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a pasta, a pie, or a smoothie, spinach can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use spinach in different cuisines and recipes:
Mediterranean cuisine
Spinach is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, such as spanakopita, a Greek pie made with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, or spinach and chickpea stew, a Moroccan dish flavored with cumin, paprika, and lemon juice. You can also make a simple spinach salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Asian cuisine
Spinach is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a Chinese spinach and tofu stir-fry with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, or a Japanese spinach and sesame salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also make an Indian spinach and potato curry with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and garam masala, or a spinach and paneer cheese dish with cream, tomato, and fenugreek.
Italian cuisine
Spinach is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in pasta, pizza, and lasagna. You can make a spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage sauce, or a spinach and mushroom pizza with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You can also make a spinach and cheese lasagna with béchamel sauce, or a spinach and artichoke dip with cream cheese and sour cream.
American cuisine
Spinach is also popular in American cuisine, especially salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a spinach and strawberry salad with almonds and poppy seed dressing or a spinach and bacon sandwich with mayonnaise and mustard. You can also make a spinach and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, or a spinach and artichoke quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Wrapping It Up!
Spinach is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store spinach, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Spinach is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know about how to harvest spinach, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be ether to answer them all for you.
Read Also:
How to Harvest Lettuce: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fresh and Crispy Salads
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If you want your air conditioner to perform well at all times, you will need to ensure that you maintain and clean the parts of the air conditioner on a regular basis. If you schedule your maintenance as per the requirement of the AC, then it is great. However, in some cases, people like to clean their AC themselves. If you are one of them, you might be interested to know how to clean evaporator coil without removing it when you have a dirty evaporator coil.
In this article, we will basically talk about why you need to clean your AC's evaporator coil and how to clean evaporator coil without removing the coil from the AC. Before that, you will also know about what happens to the air conditioner when the evaporator gets dirty.
What Happens When Your AC Coil Gets Dirty?
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If the evaporator coil of your AC is unclean, it puts your AC at risk. It compromises the safety and working efficiency of the AC in general. In the first, an unclean evaporator coil slows down the speed at which the air blows through the AC, as it blocks the flow of the air. If the evaporator coil contains other materials and particles like pollen and dust, it limits the efficiency of the flow of air.
The following things happen when there is an unclean evaporator coil inside the air conditioner:
1. If the evaporator coil is dirty or clogged with particles, then it reduces the flow of air into your home. If there is a reduced flow of air inside your home, it will lead to a lowering of the efficiency of the cooling system of the AC. Your room takes a lot of time to cool than it normally takes, probably your evaporator coil needs cleaning.
2. There might be some cases where your room is not achieving a good level of cooling, despite running the AC for hours at a stretch. In such cases, the problem is probably more than a delay in the cooling performance of the AC. Basically, it is a negative effect on the AC's cooling capacity.
3. Another great issue that happens when the evaporator coil of your AC gets dirty is that the operating pressure increases. This increases the temperature level of the AC, as the unit is working at hotter levels. This is not good for the AC as it damages the components of the AC.
4. An unclean evaporator coil creates wear on the AC system. If one important part of the AC fails to work properly, the other parts follow suit. This is because there is more pressure on the other components of the AC. Hence, the other parts are more likely to get damaged due to the failure of one part. Therefore, you will end up with a damaged AC altogether, and repairing it will be quite expensive for you.
5. If your AC’s evaporator coil gets compromised and does not work properly, then it affects the performance of the other parts of the AC. Hence, your AC unit will have a shorter life. If you want your AC unit to perform well and serve your home for a long time, you will need to ensure that every part of your AC is clean, especially the evaporator coil.
Why Do You Need Your Air Conditioner Coil Clean?
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You will not need to spend a lot on the repairs of the AC. Regular maintenance will keep out the issues from the AC that need repair. Before any problem turns into a bigger one, you can fix it with regular maintenance. Apart from that, if you keep your evaporator coil clean always, it will not accumulate dust and hence will perform better as a result.
How To Clean AC Coils? – Things You Need?
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The first thing you will obviously need for your AC cleaning is an air conditioner coil cleaner. Apart from that, you will need a cotton cloth for cleaning the coil. For your own protection, wear protective goggles, and wear gloves on your hand for better protection. Furthermore, ensure that you are following the instructions properly while you are cleaning your AC’s evaporator coil.
How To Clean Evaporator Coil Without Removing?
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The evaporator coil basically captures all the heat present in your home to condition the air inside. Apart from the evaporator coil, there is a condenser coil in the AC, which removes the air from the AC to the outside of the house.
This is the way in which the AC works in colling the house. Since an evaporator is an important part of your air conditioner, hence keeping it clean will enable you to keep your air conditioner always efficient. However, if your question is, “How to clean AC evaporator coils inside house?” then you need to read the next subsection of this article.
Read More: Here’s What Makes Package Units Better than the Other ACs
AC Coil Cleaners - How To Clean Evaporator Coil Without Removing?
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The following are the ways in which you can clean the evaporator coil of your AC without removing it from the AC:
Step 1: Turn down the power of the AC, and unplug the machine from the electric port. You will not need an electricity risk for yourself while cleaning.
Step 2: Remove the access panel from the AC to see the evaporator coil clearly. Go over the manual of the AC, if required. The manual has instructions on where you can find the access panel.
Step 3: Take the access panel off, and remove the screws from the AC. Keep the screws in a safe place.
Step 4: To blow the unclean particles off, try using a compressed air canister. This will help you to easily loosen the dirt on the evaporator coil.
Step 5: Put back the screws, as well as the access panel. Your evaporator coil is clean.
Summing Up
Hope the article helped you in knowing how to clean evaporator coil without removing it from the AC. Cleaning your AC is a part of the maintenance operation of the AC. If you maintain your AC on a regular basis, it will offer you a lot of benefits. There will be less hassle and issues on your AC as a result of regular maintenance and cleaning. If you clean the parts of your AC, your AC will look and perform as if it is fully new.
Read Also:
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13 Ways to Maintain the Coolness of Your Air Condition Unit
Garden fences are an essential part of any outdoor space, providing privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal. One way to enhance the look of your garden fence is to plant greenery on it.
Not only does it add visual interest, but it can also provide shade and habitat for birds and other wildlife. However, planting and maintaining greenery on decorative garden fences can be challenging.
How To Maintain Greenery On Garden Fences?
Maintaining greenery on decorative garden fences addition is a beautiful and natural touch to your outdoor space. When it comes to maintaining greenery on garden fences, consider the versatility of custom window boxes. These personalized window boxes can enhance your garden's aesthetic and provide a perfect space for your favorite plants.
Without proper care theses, the beautiful natural touch can look like a small wild bush. More than installing the fence panels, regular maintenance is required to ensure the long life of the fences. Check out cedarmountainfence.com for fencing repair and maintenance ideas.
Let’s see the easy caring tips that do not require expert help. You can apply these tips on your own by using small and readily available tools.
1. Choosing The Right Plants For Your Garden Fence
The first step in planting greenery on your garden fence is to choose the right plants. When selecting plants, consider the amount of sunlight your fence receives and the soil quality.
Some plants, such as ivy and jasmine, are ideal for shady areas, while others, like clematis and morning glories, prefer sunny spots. You should also choose plants well-suited to your soil type and moisture levels.
It's also important to choose garden fences and plants that will complement your existing landscaping and the style of your garden fence. Consider planting wildflowers or climbing roses if you have a rustic wooden fence. You might opt for succulents or grasses if you have a more modern fence.
2. Planting Your Greenery
Once you've chosen the right plants for your garden fences, it's time to start planting. Before you begin, be sure to prepare the soil. Clear any present debris or weeds from the area, and amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
When planting your greenery, be sure to follow the specific planting instructions for each plant. Some plants, such as climbing roses or ivy, may require a trellis or other support structure to climb up the big or small garden fences. Other plants, like clematis, may require regular pruning to keep them from becoming too heavy and damaging the fence.
3. Caring For Your Greenery
Proper care is essential for the health and longevity of your greenery. Be sure you are watering your plants daily, especially during hot and dry periods. Fertilize your plants as needed, following the specific instructions for each plant.
Regular pruning is also important to keep your greenery healthy and well-maintained. Be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches and prune back any overgrown areas that are crowding out other plants or obstructing your view.
4. Protecting Your Garden Fence
While planting greenery on your garden fences can be a beautiful and eco-friendly solution, it's important to protect your fence from damage. Be sure to use plant ties or other support structures to prevent your plants from pulling down or damaging your fence.
You should also be aware of any potential pests or diseases that could harm your greenery or your fence. Be sure to monitor your plants regularly and take action if you notice any signs of infestation or disease.
5. Provide A Sufficient Amount Of Water And Nutrients
Make sure your plants receive enough water and nutrients to thrive. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer or compost to give your plants the necessary nutrients.
Regular pruning helps your plants to maintain their shape. And regular pruning also prevents them from becoming overgrown or damaged. Prune away dead or diseased branches, and remove any growth encroaching on other plants or structures.
Keep your eye out for pests and diseases which can damage your plants. Using the natural pest control methods, like companion planting or organic pesticides, keeps your plants healthy.
Conclusion
Planting greenery on your garden fence is a great way to add beauty and interest to your outdoor space. If you are concerned about deer damaging your garden, installing a deer fence from https://www.critterfence.com/hemp-drying-mesh by a professional can provide the protection you need while adding value to your property.
By choosing the right plants, planting them properly, and providing proper care and maintenance, you can create healthy and thriving garden fences that will enhance the look and feel of your outdoor space for years to come.
Read Also:
5 Reasons Why You Absolutely Must Have Houseplants In Your Life
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