Published on: 21 March 2018
Last Updated on: 29 July 2024
It may be a challenging task to remove fleas from your lawn. This can drive somebody crazy, sick and tired of spending a huge sum of money to buy chemicals with a view to expelling fleas for good. All efforts go up in smoke due to wrong methods. Is there any right, natural way to make their dream come true? Yes, here is the answer that is proven for green pest control in Minnetonka.
Natural ways to kill fleas in your lawn :
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Spray thoroughly your whole lawn with natural ingredients: Nowadays, many industrial products are available for your choice, yet they can be harmful to your health. Why don’t you make use of fewer but multifunctional things right in your kitchen? Vinegar or lemon is accepted. As for vinegar, mix ½ vinegar with ½ fresh water. As for lemon, slice them and boil in at least 20 minutes. Either vinegar or lemon, you also end up pouring the combined water into a spray bottle in order to sprinkle your lawn. This handmade flea killer is friendly to the environment, hence you can utilize it day in and day out.
Flood your lawn: After spraying, don’t rush to flood right away. Take some time, about at least 2 hours, to kill the adults. So, what about larvae and eggs? Just flood your lawn slightly to soak up and eradicate them. Maintain the flood in a couple of minutes, and drain your lawn as fast as possible.
Natural ways to prevent fleas re-infesting :
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Rake your lawn to get rid of all shrubs, littered pots, trash and leaves: In fact, this step is indispensable in the whole process of getting rid of tenacious pests. Many people are wondering why they treat flea inside their home and in their pets already, but flea infestation does not decrease or boom just after a short period. Simply it is because of your uncompleted treatment, and you have skipped one of the most potential areas, your lawn. Fleas can live outdoors until they find a good chance to jump into your house or your pets, and their favorite environment is a moist, dark place. They can find it easier to escape from your “checking-radar” if hiding under a bottle or rotten leaves. After raking all useless items, don’t pile them up. Instead, clear up and throw away as soon as possible. The cleaner your lawn is, the lower the percentage of being infestation is.
Mow your lawn: Mowing is one of the most useful methods to remove flea in the lawn. It can be understandable because to let your lawn long also means to create “an ideal shield” for fleas’ larvae and eggs. In addition, short lawn also allows sunlight to deeply penetrate into while fleas really hate daylight. Nonetheless, don’t try to cut your lawn as short as possible as the too-short, on the contrary, can make your lawn weaker and more attractive to fleas and even other animals like ants.
Don’t overwater: As aforementioned, fleas prefer moist, as a result, you should prepare for an appropriate watering schedule and leave your lawn to dry. Moreover, a good drainage system is enormously useful.
Minimize other animals’ contact to your lawn: Outside your fence may be a huge potential to be infested by fleas, coming from wildlife animals. Build up a fence around your lawn to protect your lawn and your house as well.
Sound simple, right? In fact, it really is. All the mentioned methods are so cost-effective and practical. They are really worth a try.
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If you are an avid tomato grower you're probably envious of all the different varieties that other growers talk about, but that you can't find transplants for in your area. In many cases, those growers are growing tomatoes from seed.
Growing tomatoes from seed really isn't that difficult, as long as you understand a few basic things. Well, I will walk you through this process below. Read on.
Why is it necessary to start tomato seeds early?
Tomato seeds planted in the garden won't germinate until the ground is warm enough. What's the ideal ground temperature? They germinate best at temperatures in the 70-80 degree range.
If you plant seeds directly into the ground, odds are the summer will be too short for tomatoes to become productive before the end of the growing season unless you live in one of the warmest climates in the US.
The days to harvest number that is on a packageof tomato seeds assumes that you are using transplants.
To decide if your area is warm enough to plant directly in the ground, add 30-50 days to that number. So if it says 90 days you would need 120-140 days of temperatures above 70 degrees to get your first ripe tomato if you plant the seeds in the ground!
When should I start my seeds?
Most people who are growing tomatoes from seed start 4 6 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in their area. You need to wait to plant the seedlings outdoors about 2 weeks after that date when the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees.
The date you start growing tomatoes from seed can vary depending on the space you have available and the length of your growing season.
First, you need to gather some important items:
Containers: Start with clean, sterile containers to grow your tomato transplants in.Your local garden center or big box store should have seed starting kits that consist of a black plastic tray with peat pots or plastic inserts and a clear plastic dome cover that fits over the top.
If you're only starting a few seeds, you may want to just plant them in paper or foam cups with holes punched in the bottoms.
Many of us like to save money and reuse flats or recycle containers like plastic milk jugs for starting seeds. This is fine as long as you wash them thoroughly and then sanitize in a 10% bleach solution (1 cup bleach in 10 cups of water).
Note: Be sure whatever container you use has drainage holes in the bottom so that excess water can drain out.
Lights: You cannot grow a healthy transplant without proper light. Even a sunny, south-facing window is not really adequate. Using a led grow light or fluorescent light on a timer that it is on for 12 hours and then off for 12 hours, will ensure that when you are growing tomatoes from seed your plants get all the light they need to grow properly.
You will need to plan a way to raise the lights so that the top leaves of the plants are 2- 3î below the lights. One method is to use a wire shelving unit. The chain that comes with a fluorescent shop light works perfectly to hang it from the shelf above your plants.
Growing Media: Use fresh, sterile germination mix labeled for seed starting. These mixes are usually peat-based and do not contain garden soil.
Tip: More than 50% of people who are growing tomatoes from seed for the first time lose their seedlings to damping-off disease. This fatal disease can literally wipe out your seedlings overnight. Starting with sterile containers and soil mix will greatly decrease the chance of your seedlings becoming infected.
Read also: How To Choose The Right Containers For Your Container Garden
Growing tomatoes from seed are the only way to have the very best tasting and old fashioned heirloom varieties which are not usually available as nursery started plants.
Read also: Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality?
No matter how you want to redecorate your room, making a big statement in a small bedroom room is what you will find this post. And of course this article includes some ideas which can have an enormous effect and all the difference you would like to have in your bedroom by small changes. Despite the fact that it might appear to be anything but difficult to top off a little space with a negligible measure of furniture; yet, it is an fatiguing task for when one plans on putting forth a style expression. So, let’s see how it can be done.
Idea # 1: A Nice Looking Bed Set
Buying a nice bed set is never difficult and it’s so easy to change the look of your bed room with bright bed sheet, bed covers and pillows. It’s nothing like you need a big financial plan for it. Nice theme of a bed set can smoothly give your room an engaging look. You can try some hardwood bed set to make a statement in your room as well. Hardwood being utilized may turn out to be generally on an expensive side considering the two its sheer toughness and additionally high feel. However, it is justified regardless of each penny spent.
Idea #2: Buy Some Gorgeous Looking Wallpaper
A darker shade of wallpaper on one wall gives the room a bigger and better look. You can choose wall paper designs according to the overall theme of your room. You can use printed wall paper on one wall and keep the other walls plane.
Idea #3: Have a Nice Bookshelf
No room can turn out badly with a bookshelf joined inside. It isn't important to have a big book shelf in your room but including a small bookshelf inside will look great and noticeable. For rooms with a smaller size beautiful bookshelves can be fixed with traditional hardwood boards upon the divider.
In a few cases, where the bed may comprise of a nice headboard, the book shelf can be made near the bed for best use of free space. Close by conventional sweet-smelling candles.
Idea # 4: Get a Full Length or Big Sized Mirror
Keep a full-sized mirror upon a whole divider or your preferred space. It is the most generally used secret and in addition the most seasoned trend to not just influencing the space to appear more outwardly engaging but also influencing the space to seem bigger than it at first is.
The impression of the room itself makes the ideal fantasy and also get intensifies, mirrors are best for adding more space to the premises of the little room.
Idea #5: Lights/Chandeliers
Lights, especially traditional chandeliers or side table lamps can change the look of your room. Lights help in making a comfortable atmosphere in your room. Mostly the essential lights may appear to be excessively cruel or too brilliant; some additional small lights like fairy lights, lamps or light chandeliers can really give your room a subtle look.
Hanging up light fixtures of little to medium sizes upon the divider can help with better use of divider spaces. And additionally make a more traditional appeal in your room.
It's not the size of your room you claim which matters. It is the manner by which you design it and also how you use free space in an imaginative way, which helps influence a room to appear sufficiently lavish.
I hope you liked reading these bedroom decorating ideas. If you have some interesting tips to add, do let us know in comment section.
Read More:
Home Decor Is An Art Itself – Things To Know
Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom
Top Expert Tips For A Stunning Condo Interior!
5 Essential Tips To Designing A Beautiful Front Yard Garden
Basil is one of the most popular and versatile herbs you can grow in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, from salads and soups to pizzas and pastas. Basil is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like cilantro. It can benefit your health and well-being. But how do you harvest basil properly so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves?
If these are some of the things you want to know, I have you covered! In this article, I will answer all these questions and more and give you everything you need to know about harvesting basil! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Harvest Basil Leaves?
The first thing you need to know about harvesting basil is when to do it. The best time to harvest basil leaves is in the morning when the plant is still fresh and moist. Avoid harvesting basil in the afternoon or evening when the plant is dry and wilted. Also, avoid harvesting basil when it is raining or wet, as this can cause the leaves to rot or mold.
Steps to Harvest Basil Leaves
To harvest basil leaves, you will need a pair of scissors or a sharp knife and a basket or a bowl to collect the leaves. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves, but be careful not to damage the stem or the plant. Here are the steps to follow:
Start from the top of the plant, and look for the stems with leaf clusters. These are called the terminal buds, and they are where the basil flowers will grow. You want to remove these buds, as they will make the plant stop producing new leaves and focus on flowering and seeding. This will reduce the flavor and quality of the basil leaves.
Cut or pinch off the stem just below the terminal bud, leaving about a quarter of an inch of stem above the next pair of leaves. This will encourage the plant to grow two new stems from the leaf nodes and produce more leaves. You can also cut or pinch off any other stems that are too long or leggy and leave about four to six pairs of leaves on each stem.
Repeat this process for all the stems that have terminal buds, and collect the leaves in your basket or bowl. You can also harvest some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. You should not harvest more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant and reduce its growth and health.
After harvesting, rinse the leaves with water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can use them fresh or store them for later use.
How to Harvest Basil So It Keeps Growing
One of the benefits of harvesting basil is that it stimulates the plant to grow more leaves and branches and prevents it from flowering and seeding.
However, you need to harvest basil regularly and correctly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves.
Here are some tips to follow. For instance, you must harvest basil:
At least once every two weeks, or more often if you see the terminal buds forming. This will keep the plant bushy and compact and prevent it from becoming woody and bitter.
From different parts of the plant, and not always from the same spot. This will ensure that the plant grows evenly and does not become lopsided or uneven.
Before it flowers. This is because the flowers will reduce the flavor and quality of the leaves. If you see any flowers forming, remove them as soon as possible. You can also pinch off the flowers and use them as edible garnishes or decorations, as they have a mild and sweet flavor.
Before the frost, as the cold weather will kill the plant. You can either harvest the whole plant and store it for later use, or bring it indoors and keep it in a sunny and warm spot. You can also propagate the plant by taking cuttings and rooting them in water or soil and grow new plants for the next season.
How to Harvest Basil Without Killing The Plant?
Harvesting basil is different from harvesting lettuce or other plants. The process is good for the plant and you, as you can enjoy the fresh and aromatic leaves in your dishes.
However, you need to be careful not to harvest too much or too often, as this can harm and kill the plant.
Here are some dos and don'ts of harvesting basil without killing it:
Do harvest basil from the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure.
Don't harvest basil from the main stem or cut it too close to the ground. This will damage the plant and prevent it from growing new stems and leaves. Leave at least four to six pairs of leaves on each stem and about an inch of stem above the ground.
Do harvest basil gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and make clean and smooth cuts. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves but be gentle and precise.
Don't harvest basil when it is stressed or unhealthy, such as when it is wilting, yellowing, or diseased. This will weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to further damage. Wait until the plant recovers and looks healthy and green before harvesting. You can also water and fertilize the plant to help it grow and thrive.
Do harvest basil when it is young and tender, not old and tough. This will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Harvest basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown.
How to Pick Basil Leaves?
Picking basil leaves is another way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can pick basil leaves with your fingers or with a pair of tweezers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to pick basil leaves. For instance, you can pick it:
From the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure.
From the stems that have terminal buds, not from those that have none. This will prevent the plant from flowering and seeding and producing more leaves. You can also pick some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow.
Gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use your fingers to pinch off the leaves or a pair of tweezers to pluck them off. Be gentle and precise, and do not pull or tug on the leaves or the stems.
When they are young and tender and not when they are old and tough, this will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Pick basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown.
How to Store Basil Leaves?
Storing basil leaves is a great way to preserve and enjoy them for later use. You can store basil leaves in different ways, depending on how long you want to keep them and how you want to use them. Here are some of the best ways to store basil leaves:
Refrigerate Them
You can refrigerate basil leaves for up to a week, by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This will keep them moist and fresh, and prevent them from wilting or drying out. However, you should not wash them.
Freeze Them
You can freeze basil leaves for up to six months, by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds, and then plunging them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This will preserve their color and flavor, and prevent them from browning or oxidizing. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel, and place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. You can also chop them and mix them with some olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays. This will make it easier to use them in soups, sauces, or dressings.
Dry Them
You can dry basil leaves for up to a year, by hanging them upside down in a warm and dry place, such as a closet or a pantry. This will dehydrate them and concentrate their flavor, and make them last longer. However, you should avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as this can bleach them and reduce their quality. You can also dry them in an oven or a microwave, but be careful not to burn them or overcook them. Once they are dry, you can store them in a glass jar or a spice container, and crush them or grind them before using them.
Make Pesto
You can make pesto with basil leaves, by blending them with some garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This will create a delicious and versatile sauce that you can use for pasta, sandwiches, salads, or dips. You can store pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also customize pesto by adding other herbs, nuts, cheeses, or spices, according to your taste and preference.
How to Cut Basil?
Cutting basil is a simple and easy way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can cut basil with scissors, a knife, or your fingers, depending on your preference and convenience.
Here are some tips on how to cut basil:
Wash and dry the basil leaves before cutting them to remove any dirt or insects. You can rinse them under running water or soak them in a water bowl with a few drops of vinegar. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel or spin them in a salad spinner.
Cut the basil leaves just before using them, to preserve their flavor and aroma. If you cut them too early, they will lose their freshness and wilt. You can also bruise or damage the leaves if you cut them too roughly or with a dull tool.
Cut the basil leaves according to the size and shape that you need for your recipe. You can either leave them whole or chop them finely or coarsely. You can also cut them into ribbons or strips, by stacking several leaves together, rolling them up, and slicing them thinly. This is called the chiffonade technique, and it creates a beautiful and elegant garnish.
Cut the basil leaves with a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and not with a blender or a food processor. This will avoid bruising or crushing the leaves and releasing their oils and juices. You can also use your fingers to tear or pinch off the leaves but be gentle and careful.
How to Use Basil Leaves?
Using basil leaves is a fun and easy way to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. You can use basil leaves in different ways, depending on your mood and occasion. Here are some of the best ways to use basil leaves:
Fresh
You can use fresh basil leaves to garnish and enhance your dishes, such as salads, soups, pizzas, and pastas. Also you can use fresh basil leaves to make salads, such as caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, or Greek salad with cucumbers, feta cheese, and basil. You can also use fresh basil leaves to make drinks, such as lemonade, tea, or cocktails, with basil, lemon, sugar, and water.
Cooked
You can use cooked basil leaves to flavor and season your dishes, such as sauces, stews, curries, and casseroles. Also you can use cooked basil leaves to make dishes, such as tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and onion, or chicken with basil, cream, and mushrooms. You can also use cooked basil leaves to make breads, such as focaccia with basil, olive oil, and salt, or muffins with basil, cheese, and eggs.
Preserved
You can use preserved basil leaves to store and enjoy them for later use, such as freezing, drying, or making pesto. Also you can use preserved basil leaves to make dishes, such as pesto pasta with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, or roasted vegetables with basil, olive oil, and salt. You can also use preserved basil leaves to make snacks, such as crackers with basil, cheese, and honey, or popcorn with basil, butter, and salt.
Wrapping It Up!
Basil is a wonderful herb that you can grow and harvest in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, and a rich and nutritious profile that can benefit your health and well-being. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can learn how to harvest basil properly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves, how to cut basil, pick basil leaves, and store them for later use, and how to use basil leaves in different and delicious ways.
Read Also:
Some Facts You Need to Know About Rainwater Harvesting
Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?
Exploring Ideas For A Biophilic Home Design
