Published on: 24 March 2017
Last Updated on: 07 August 2021
The soil is a fundamental resource base for agricultural production systems. Besides being the main medium for crop growth, soil functions to sustain crop productivity and maintain environmental quality. Soil quality is determined by the soil’s ability to perform these functions.
Organic gardening means avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides without necessarily implying that plants are left to fend for themselves. Therefore, it is Merely creating the best possible environment for plant growth using biological processes that create a supply of nutrients to the plants and maintain the structural and biological integrity of the soil.
Organic farming provides sites for nutrient retention by adding compost, animal and green manures in soil. In the process, soil nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium among others are added to the soil.
Leading gardening professionals such as Tree Service Deltona point out that organic farming can help promote sustainability and improve crop productivity. It can also allow helping create an ecosystem that is not dependent on artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals that ultimately end up getting into the composition of the vehicles.
Several natural soil enhancers used in organic gardening include:
Humus: This basically refers to completely decomposed, stable organic matter. Organic materials are decomposed over a long period of time. Humus has important functions in soil, particularly in enhancing soil structure and water-holding capacity
Growing of cover crops: A wide range of cover crops can be grown to enhance soil building properties. Mixtures of cover crops may be the best way to maximize soil building properties. When allowed to decompose, these cover crops have a large amount of biomass that when released into the soil have benefits. Examples of cover crops include leguminous grasses
Compost: Compost is one of the most stable forms of crop nutrients and is an effective means of building soil organic matter, it is also rich in carbon particularly when produced with carbon-rich materials.
Application of compost or manure is an effective means of building up soil organic matter, feeding a wide range of beneficial micro-organisms that aerate the soil and maintain soil PH levels.
A PH of 7 is neutral while values below 7 show increasing acidity and those above 7 show increasing alkalinity. When natural manures are used, the amount of soil PH is naturally maintained since artificial fertilizers add certain elements to the soil such as zinc and copper which when their levels are high become very toxic to the soil.
Through organic farming, soil organic matter is increased thus making the soil to be healthy and its quality also increased. The Use of natural manures aids in moisture retention within the soil, thus ensuring that the crops being grown in the farming process don’t lose water to several biological processes such as evaporation. This is because the amount of water being retained by the soil is more than the lost amount by several factors. This is especially vital in sandy soils, which have low water retention capabilities due to their well-drained nature.
Building soil quality by the use of organic methods helps increase the soil’s resilience. This is the ability to overcome stress or to bounce back after being disturbed. Crops grown in resilient soils have a better ability to withstand extreme conditions such as drought, flood, extremely high temperatures or pest infection.
Using a case study of a carrot sprout, which is mainly grown in home gardens and known for their sweet taste, we will notice that they are hard to grow and they thrive in areas of minimal artificial fertilizers and thus would do best in organic gardens that use natural means of soil improvement. They would also be best in chilly aquatic conditions considering the amount of moisture needed during their growth to full maturity.
You may have asked yourself this question – what do carrot sprouts look like. Well, carrot sprouts look like grass and can easily be mistaken for weeds in a garden.
Carrots are best grown in sandy soils since the sandy soil is well-drained in contrast to the high amounts of moisture needed to grow the carrots. The use of organic methods of enhancing the soil moisture retention will ensure that the conditions are similar to that of the best aquatic chiller thus favoring the growth of the carrots even in well-drained soils.
The growth of carrots is a good indication of how organic gardening is beneficial to the improvement of soil quality and also in ensuring that the conditions for the growth of several crops are successful, unlike when artificial enhancers such as fertilizers are used.
Advantages of organic gardening
Stabilizes the soil with time by repairing the soil composition and restoring the soil structure so as to ensure its properties are retained
Improve with time by using adequate and adaptive techniques to restore key soil functions
Increase productivity since a number of nutrients provided by the soil is adequate for crop growth
Provides healthy food supply since the crop produced is by natural means and artificial enhancers are not in the components of the crop which is being grown.
Organic gardening, therefore, does improve the quality of the soil.
Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.
Thanks to some home appliances such as air conditioners, fans, air coolers, and inverters, and of course the refrigerators; we can tolerate the summer easily.
During the summer season, the amount of power used is directly proportional to the temperature. With an increase in mercury, the need for cooling appliances also goes up and so is the electricity bill.
Talking about the fridge, it is not only storage for storing perishable items but also a savior during the summer season. Right from cold water to chilled shakes to ice creams to fresh fruits and juices, ice cubes, and more, it provides us with all. Nonetheless, with all this, it also leads to an escalation in the monthly electricity bill. A great example is with the residents of Texas for taking care of their electricity bills. They are able to choose the best and cheapest electricity plans from the most reputable electric companies in the comparison websites such as HomeEnergyClub, where they can compare Texas energy plans side by side.
In the same context, here are some simple tips that will not only increase the efficiency of your refrigerator but even help save power. Read on!
Follow these tips to make your fridge efficient
1. Set the temperature right
Do you know that keeping the fridge at a high temperature consumes more energy, leaving you with a higher power bill? Hence, to make your fridge’s compressor working easily, keep the temperature lower between 0 and 5 degrees.
2. Don’t let your fridge face the heat
It is recommended to keep your refrigerator away from direct heat such as sunlight, oven, or stove heat. It is because the fridge will then use more energy to adjust the continuous heat on it to maintain the chill. On the other hand, if you place it under a shadow with proper ventilation, it will help in the reduction of energy. Proper ventilation is needed in smooth heat flow produced from the fridge.
3. Defrost the fridge often
The defrost button on your refrigerator could be a lifesaver for it! Doing that on a frequent basis will help your fridge to maintain efficient cooling! Also, you will be able to save up to Rs.10 per day on the electricity bill.
4. Storing open containers is a no-no
If you keep the already opened food containers and bottles in your fridges, then the internal moisture level will rise to force the compressor to work hard. It will reduce the efficiency of your fridge and also increase the power bill.
5. Regular fridge maintenance is a must
It should be your duty to clean your refrigerator on a frequent basis if not daily. It can help the compressor to work even more efficiently. You only need to spare 30 minutes out of your busy schedule to do it, and your fridge will thank you by working powerfully.
Also, you should ensure to get the condenser coils of your fridge cleaned at least once a year. You can do that by unplugging the unit and brushing or vacuuming the coils carefully. It will help to enhance the fridge’s efficiency by up to 30%. If you are unable to do that, you should get it done by a trained professional once a year.
6. Make room
You should also make sure that there are a few inches of space between the wall and the fridge to maintain good circulation. It will also help your refrigerator to run without issues and proficiently.
7. Practice some smart habits
You can also practice some smart habits so that your fridge gets some rest. Have a look:
Try to open your refrigerator less frequently
Cool the hot foods before keeping them in the fridge
Cover foods
Label the leftovers
Ensure to keep your freezer full
Buy a new fridge this summer and grab savings and cashback
You can continue having your refrigerator working for years at its optimal level if you can follow the discussed tips.
If you are ready to buy a brand new refrigerator, then you don’t have to stretch your budget by paying the entire amount of your purchase in one go. Instead, you can divide the cost over a tenor; pay only a fixed amount and nothing extra. This way, you won’t need to handle paying additional charges other than EMI and save more.
The easy EMI facility is offered by Bajaj Finserv EMI Network across India. Bajaj Finserv is also here to offer the Special Summer Offer on refrigerators and more. This way, you can buy an LG fridge, Godrej fridge, Haier fridge, Hitachi fridge, and more on easy EMIs to indulge in a hassle-free shopping experience.
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You may not expect that it is necessary to do yard work in the winter, but it is more important than you think. Properly preparing your lawn in the beginning months of cold weather and even though snowy conditions will ensure you have the best-looking lawn come springtime. These four tools are essential in maintaining a healthy yard during the winter.
4 Essential Tools For Maintaining Your Winter Garden
When you love to spend your leisure time in front of your lawn. The maintains of your garden is quite an important task to preserve the beauty of your favorite garden. Every time seeking professional help is costly so better look at how you can maintain a garden in winter using some simple tools.
However, you need to understand that maintaining your garden during winter can be a tough affair. Not only will freezing temperatures deter you from engaging in outdoor work, but the tools and machines can become non-operational. This is why a good idea would be to engage an expert to do the needful. Tree Service Round Rock can maintain your garden during the winters and ensure that you stay safely and cozily within the warm confines of your home.
Here are the names of four tools to maintain a garden in the winter season.
1. Aerator:
Cool-season grass, which is the most common type, should be aerated in the early spring and late fall. For those of you that may not be familiar with this machine, it digs small plug-like holes out of the ground. This helps the grassroots have access to more water, nutrients, and air. The point of this is to make the roots deeper and healthier so the grass has a stronger foundation to grow.
Use this equipment on a day that the ground is slightly moist, maybe the day after rain, for the best results. It will relieve the soil from compaction that causes the roots to be starved and suffocated. Making sure your grass gets all the nutrients it needs before it is covered in snow will help it grow back better when the weather warms up.
2. Chainsaw:
Pruning your trees and bushes during the wintertime is an essential part of a healthy yard. Plants will waste too much energy trying to send nourishment to dead limbs which affect the living ones. Investing in a chainsaw would be beneficial so that you can cut down the dead branches.
If you are a seasoned expert, you will know to not only trim dead branches but also cut any that are rubbing together. Damage to the tree from the rubbing can create an entry for bugs to get inside. When it comes to finding a good quality chainsaw, get this it works! The better the quality of equipment, the less risk when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of your yard.
3. Drop Spreader:
Fertilizer is the basis for giving your lawn what it needs to look its best for next year. There are winterizing products that slowly release nitrogen during the offseason. Using a spreader makes this task time-efficient and well done. It allows you to evenly distribute the fertilizer throughout the lawn, maximizing the benefits of this product.
Putting grass seed down at the beginning of the winter can help maintain your yard as well. You will use the same drop spreader to put this down, but you’ll want to make sure you set the amount it is releasing slightly less than recommended. In doing this, you can overlap your passes, so nothing is missed, and you still have enough to do the whole yard. As a pro tip, it is encouraged to spread a thin layer of compost before laying the seed. Combining the seed and the compost keeps your grass moist and germinated during dry and cold weather.
4. Rake:
Before a snowfall, it is crucial to clear your yard of any leaves, branches, or debris. When this waste sits on your grass all winter it will cause these patches to brown or die. Simply raking every once in a while will prevent dead spots and inconsistency in height and color. Raking will also help mix in any seed or fertilizer you have laid down in the soil previously.
Something to keep in mind is to make sure you are not raking when the ground is frozen. The protective layer in the frozen blades of grass gets destroyed from the pressure of footsteps. While this will not kill the grass, it may cause it to be brown when it grows back in.
Get a leg up on those who do not know to still maintain during the winter months. Investing in these tools will ensure you have the lushest green grass on the block come spring and summertime.
Wrapping It Up:
Maintain Garden is simple when you are already having the essential tools to do the job. But the professional touch every time required. When you already have these tools your hard work related to garden maintains in the winter is becoming a much easier process. So what is your opinion? Are you going to maintain your garden on your own? Or do you seek professional help? Do not forget to share your opinion with us.
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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.
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