Published on: 17 May 2016
Last Updated on: 11 September 2024
Getting a gift for a guy can be a real challenge; obviously, the present will depend on his individual preferences, on whether he’s your bae or just a friend, but nonetheless, there are some universal gifts you can simply never go wrong with.
To help you pick out the perfect gift and spare you the torture of making lists in your head, we’ve put together a checklist that will definitely stir you in the right direction.
Without further ado…
Vacation Coupon/Ticket
There is no person on this planet who wouldn’t jump through the roof to get a voucher/coupon/ticket to their favorite destination, or, come to think of it, any destination. Everyone loves traveling and, as irony will have it, so little people actually do something about it. Often we either don’t have the time or the budget, or someone to go with. Therefore, surprise your man with two tickets – one for him and the other one for someone dear to his heart. It may even be you, you never know!
Gadget Love
For some reason, men are suckers for all kinds of gadgets which certainly helps: you can pay closer attention to what it is that your friend’s been talking about lately and buy it for him! However, gadgets can get incredibly expensive, so if his needed gadget is out of your price range, buy him a store coupon in his favorite gadget store, set it to a certain amount you’ve planned on spending and give it to him. He’ll love it!
Fashion Statements
You’ve probably noticed that male fashion has taken a huge spin in the positive direction and we’ve now got so many fashion conscious man that it’s absolutely amazing! If your friend is one of the guys who likes to look good and has nothing against spending a little more on his outfit, then a fashionable statement piece is an absolutely wonderful gift!
Leather gifts for men are our favorite as leather will, obviously, never go out of style and it’s giving the entire outfit the edge it lacked. For instance, surprise your guy with a cool leather rocker bracelet from this website or a good leather bag/rucksack of classic cut or a wallet. Awesome, right? What, he’s into leather belts? Even better!
Every intellectual knows the worth of a good book, and we’re sure your friend would, too! Depending on his preferences, buying a book he’ll be using for work, or simple enjoyment will be everything he needs and be sure he’ll always think of you when he sees it on the shelf (after he’s read it, of course)! Make sure you write a dedication that will make his heart melt!
Vine/Food Tour
Who doesn’t love the sweet enjoyment of food and vine! Give your friend a gift like no other and take him to a wine or food tour in a nearby restaurant or vineyard he’s never been to. Make it a whole day adventure that he’ll never forget! You may even organize something like a wine cake or a dish made especially for him big day. Hey, and don’t forget to take a lot of photos – after all, this is going to be an exceptional experience!
Throw Him a Surprise Party
Yaaaaaaaay! Nothing is as awesome as a surprise party when they least expect it! It doesn’t necessarily have to be in his apartment but maybe in his favorite restaurant or club! Gather all of your closest friends (obviously, call them at least two weeks ahead so they can plan everything ahead) and organize it so that your friend saves the date too without knowing what happening. Then, take him to the place where the party is and voila! You’ve given your friend the cutest gift ever!
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
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
Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!
Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?
Cabinets are considered to be the foundation of the kitchen. Besides lying under budget-oriented kitchen designing ideas, they play a very important role in storing the items such as storage of food, equipment required for cooking, etc.
Cabinets are built to store items safely and to provide more spacing and a better look in kitchens of any type according to size. Now, selecting different types of Kitchen cabinets might be a challenging task.
Decades ago, the place where the stove and some utensils were kept had been given the name of the kitchen, but with the change of time and thinking of people and the advancement in technologies, kitchen has been considered the warmth beauty of the house.
5 Types Of Kitchen Cabinets
To reduce your time and effort, we have listed the top 5 types of kitchen cabinets that will be useful for you in the long run.
Thus, nowadays people go for finding the best layout and design for their kitchen. So, visit flat pack kitchen cabinets for better choices.
Base Cabinets:
Base Cabinets consist of adjustable legs and adjustable shelves with shelf support to meet all the storage needs required by a customer.
Moreover, base cabinets come in various sizes. You can choose the size according to the dimensions required for your storage need. They can be easily cleaned.
Wall Cabinets:
Wall cabinets or, wall-mounted cabinets are often marked under amazing kitchen(specifically small ones) storage ideas. They are similar to base cabinets and are supplied with adjustable shelf supports to provide the best symmetrical look. People generally prefer to install wall cabinets in their kitchen to have a modern, sleek look.
They come in various forms slimline wall cabinets, overhead wall cabinets. They are typically built with plywoods(make sure to choose the right kitchen cabinet material of your choice).
Pantry Cabinets:
Pantry Cabinets are considered to provide a great space to provide a better look to your kitchen and also offer a breeze in assembling.
Pantry Cabinets come in the perfect size and can be properly easily installed in the kitchen. They are considered to be the most preferred cabinets because they provide a proper workspace to work in the kitchen.
Combination Cabinets:
Combination cabinets consist of pantry cabinets and base cabinets combination. Thus, this combination offers more space for storing the items safely.
They also cover less space and are easy to install. They have an open top for displaying ornaments. Thus, this is one of the best types of kitchen cabinets that you should prefer.
Appliance Cabinets:
Appliance Cabinets provide a compact way to showcase your held dear kitchen appliances. They are purposely built for ovens and range hoods to provide sufficient space to store such large items. They can be customized according to your requirements.
Cabinets are build up and processed in a systematic manner with proper frames and doors. Cabinets can be easily purchased from specialty retailers, shops for kitchen remodelers, home centers, online retailers, and ready-to-assemble furniture manufacturers.
The Final Thoughts
Some installers also offer a package deal from measurement to construction, to proper installation of cabinets. Also, you can refer to kitchen designers for the best advice on the installation of cabinets. Cabinet doors panels along with refulgent decorative lighting and ideal Feng Shui appearances will be stand out inch-perfect on cabinet sides, where exposed, for a more finished appearance. Hence, if you come across any doubts, you can mention them in the comment section below!
Don't forget to go through our bonus tips regarding proper kitchen tiles installation!
Read Also:
Top Secrets That Slash Your Kitchen Remodeling Bill in Half
So you found a perfect and you are ready to move? And to complete that mission, you need to find movers online. But how are you going to do that? How are you going to find the best relocation specialists?
We often get confused as to how we might select a moving company when shifting houses. However, in 2019, there are many expert moving companies that specialize in different types of moving. For example, you have a standard home movers. You can also enlist the services of a professional office moving company that can help you switch offices from one location to another. Then there are specialized movers, whose expertise lies in moving expensive pieces of furniture like piano, antiques, and paintings. No matter what your requirement, you will always be able to find a mover, who is an expert at that.
How to start a search?
The key is to gather every information you can about those moving companies and how they determine the cost. This is critical, as it will help you calculate your costs. This will also be able to give you a fair idea about the level of professionalism and expertise of the moving company.
Select a few moving companies and ask for moving quote!
Find movers online!
If there is one business industry, which you need to trust with your life, it is the Moving Industry. From million-dollar supercars to an antique marble statue, moving companies can cost you irreparable damages. I have often seen people look for the cheapest moving companies. In my personal experience, price or fee should never be a consideration when selecting a moving company. You should rather look for expertise and professionalism.
If you really want to vet the company, you should ask for references, their skill certificates and examine how long they have been in the industry. Remember, that you are entrusting them with nearly all the material wealth in your home. The combined value of such wealth will definitely be more than a few hundred dollars. Try not to employ the services of amateurs who can destroy or damage your belongings. Good moving professionals can save you a lot of trouble and stress, and they can help you how to organize your move in a safe manner.
Since you don't want to find out too late that you have trusted a company that did not take good care of your home’s possessions it pays to do a little bit of research. The best place to start out is by looking up all of your alternatives. The phone book is usually not the most comprehensive source of listings, so you may want to check online instead. Information online is generally going to be far more valuable, and that will save you a lot of troubles. Also, you should know that many companies want to post up plenty of info about themselves as a key way of winning over those that they want to do business with. So, you can learn a lot with just a little reading and of course, it's a good idea to go further than this, as well.
Do your research to find the best movers!
When you need to find movers online, you have to do good research. And thanks to that, you will gather more information and by that, the opportunity of finding the best company who will with your relocation. For example, you can search on Master Moving Guide. This place has professionals who will help you find the best movers online. They can provide you with everything you need. All you have to do is fill in some information about your relocation, and they will suggest you some potential moving companies.
You must consider everything when you are about to find movers online!
Check your movers
When you create the ultimate moving checklist – things you need to do when moving, now who have to get one of the best moving professionals. And when you find, you need to make sure that you can trust them.
This is why you need to look up references and see whether the moving company is any good or not. You can do this in two ways. You can ask the company yourself about some of their past customers. You can contact them and check whether they had done a good job or not. Alternatively, you can go on the internet and check for online reviews. There are many platforms, which can help you in this regard. From the company’s GMB page to online directories, and even social media channels like Facebook. Once you are certain that they are experts, you can go ahead and select them.
How much does the moving cost?
This is something that does not have a fixed answer. It depends on the number of goods you are moving, as well as what the company is asking for you. If you want to proceed, you should always ask the company for a detailed quote. The best companies would request you to allow them to visit the property and see the number of goods. Amateur companies who are only interested in money and your business will give you a surprising figure. However, these companies cover many hidden costs that they reveal only after they send you the final bill. Make sure that you decide on all the charges, including taxes, before you sign them up. Now, all you have to do is to see a list of last-minute things you should check before you move house, and you will be ready for your movers.
Make sure you have enough in your budget when you are about to hire the best movers for your relocation.
Conclusion:
When you have to find movers online, the most important thing is that you recognize good from fraudulent ones. To do that, you need to be very careful, and you need to know signs of fraudulent movers. Because only when you know those, you will be able to apart them. If you think that you can't find movers online there are some other options. You can always ask your friends and family who has recently moved for some recommendation.
Read Also:
Moving Companies And How They Determine Cost
The Ultimate Moving Checklist – Things You Need To Do When Moving
Read More: 
