Published on: 18 July 2023
Last Updated on: 14 October 2024
Transforming your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis begins with the right furniture. Outdoor furniture has evolved beyond functionality, with design trends now focusing on creating a visually appealing and comfortable outdoor environment.
Embracing Natural Materials
One of the prominent trends in outdoor furniture design is the use of natural materials. Wholesale furniture suppliers are increasingly incorporating materials like rattan, teak, and bamboo into their product lines. These materials not only provide durability but also offer a natural and organic aesthetic. Incorporating natural materials into your outdoor space can create a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment.
To embrace this trend, opt for furniture pieces made from these materials, such as teak dining sets or rattan loungers. Pair them with earthy-toned cushions and throws to enhance the overall organic feel of your outdoor oasis. Using natural materials not only adds visual appeal but also promotes sustainability, making it a win-win choice.
Blurring Indoor-Outdoor Boundaries
Designs that seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces continue to gain popularity. Wholesale furniture manufacturers are now producing versatile pieces that can be used both inside and outside the home. This trend allows for a smooth transition between the two spaces and expands the usability of your outdoor oasis.
Consider incorporating outdoor sofas or sectionals that mimic the style of indoor furniture. By using similar colors and patterns, you create a cohesive flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces. To make the most of this trend, install bi-fold or sliding doors that can be fully opened, providing a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor areas.
Comfort Is Key
When it comes to outdoor furniture, comfort is paramount. Design trends now prioritize furniture that offers the same level of comfort as indoor seating. Wholesale furniture suppliers are crafting outdoor lounge chairs and sofas with plush cushions and ergonomic designs, ensuring a cozy and relaxing experience.
To create a relaxing outdoor oasis, invest in seating that prioritizes comfort. Look for deep-seated chairs and loungers with thick cushions that will cradle and support you. With added features like adjustable backs and ottomans, you can customize your seating to suit your relaxation preferences. By prioritizing comfort in your outdoor space, you create a sanctuary where you can unwind and rejuvenate.
Versatile And Modular Furniture
Flexibility and adaptability are key considerations in outdoor furniture design. Wholesale furniture suppliers are catering to this demand by offering modular furniture sets that allow for easy reconfiguration. These versatile pieces can be rearranged to suit different entertaining needs and space constraints.
To maximize the flexibility of your outdoor space, opt for modular furniture sets that consist of individual pieces that can be rearranged as needed. This allows you to create different seating arrangements for various occasions. Consider adding a modular dining set that can transform into a cozy lounge area by rearranging or removing certain pieces. With versatile and modular furniture, you can easily transform your outdoor oasis based on your specific needs.
Adding Style With Accessories And Lighting
To complete the transformation of your outdoor oasis, pay attention to the finishing touches. Wholesale furniture suppliers often offer a range of outdoor accessories and lighting options to enhance the style and functionality of your space.
Consider adding outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and planters to elevate the visual appeal of your outdoor area. Opt for weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements. Additionally, incorporate ambient lighting fixtures, such as string lights or lanterns, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings.
Conclusion
Creating a relaxing outdoor oasis begins with the right furniture choices. By embracing natural materials, blurring indoor-outdoor boundaries, prioritizing comfort, selecting versatile furniture, and adding style with accessories and lighting, you can transform your outdoor space into a haven of relaxation and beauty. Whether you are a homeowner or a furniture wholesale business, these design trends and tips will help you create an outdoor oasis that your customers or family will love.
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.
If you are a gardener like me, you must have thought about harvesting greens that you eat at restaurants at your house. One of these days, I was with my friends from my university, and we were discussing the importance of eating veggies for staying healthy. And they could not figure out the best ways to effectively do so. Reading my previous blog about cilantro, Laila asked me, “how to grow and harvest asparagus?”
Well, surely asparagus is one of the most delicious and nutritious vegetables you can grow in your garden. But what a lot of people do not know is that it's also one of the easiest once you know how to harvest asparagus properly.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about harvesting asparagus, from when to start, how to cut, and how often to do it. Additionally, I will also share some tips on how to store and freeze asparagus, as well as the benefits of eating this green wonder.
So, keep on reading till the end to learn more...
How Does Asparagus Grow?
Before I dive into the seemingly difficult process of how to harvest asparagus, let me help you grow it.
Asparagus is a perennial plant that grows from a crown of roots that can live for up to 20 years. The crown produces spears, which are the edible part of the plant, every spring.
The spears grow rapidly, sometimes up to an inch per day, and can reach a height of 6 to 10 inches. The spears are harvested before they open into fern-like leaves, which are edible and tough.
Asparagus grows best in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers full sun and moderate temperatures and needs regular watering and fertilizing.
Asparagus can be grown from seeds or crowns, but crowns are easier and faster to establish. Crowns are planted in trenches about 12 to 18 inches apart and covered with 2 to 3 inches of soil. As the spears emerge, more soil is added until the trench is filled
Benefits of Asparagus
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Asparagus is not only tasty, but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like spinach. It can help lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, support digestion, and prevent urinary tract infections.
Asparagus also contains a compound called asparagine, which is a natural diuretic that helps flush out excess fluids and salts from the body. Asparagus is also a good source of folate, which is essential for pregnant women and fetal development
When to Harvest Asparagus?
The first year after planting, you should not harvest any asparagus spears, as they need to grow and strengthen the root system.
The second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks.
The third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants.
The best time to harvest asparagus is in the early morning when the spears are crisp and tender. You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall, and before the tips start to open up. If you wait too long, the spears will become woody and bitter.
How to Plant and Care for Asparagus?
Asparagus is a long-term investment that can reward you with years of delicious harvests. However, it requires some planning and preparation before planting.
Here are some steps to follow to plant and care for asparagus:
Choose the Day
Choose a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden, preferably with sandy or loamy soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool or where weeds are hard to control. Asparagus also needs plenty of space, so make sure you have at least 4 to 5 feet between rows and 12 to 18 inches between plants.
Prepare the Soil
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, and adjusting the pH to 6.5 to 7.5. You can use a soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. You may also need to add some fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 10-20-10, to boost the phosphorus and potassium content.
Dig it Deep
Dig a trench about 8 to 12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. You can make the trench longer or shorter depending on how many asparagus crowns you have. Asparagus crowns are the dormant roots of the plant that you can buy from nurseries or online. They usually have one-year-old or two-year-old crowns, which are more reliable and productive than seeds.
Fertilize
Spread some fertilizer along the bottom of the trench, about 2 pounds per 100 square feet. Then, cover the fertilizer with 2 to 3 inches of soil, forming a ridge in the center of the trench.
Placing the Plant
Place the asparagus crowns on top of the ridge, about 12 to 18 inches apart, with the buds facing up. The crowns should be slightly below the soil surface, about 1 to 2 inches deep. Do not bury them too deep, as this will delay the emergence of the spears.
Focus on the Crown
Cover the crowns with another 2 to 3 inches of soil, and water well. As the spears grow, gradually fill in the trench with more soil, until it is level with the ground. This will help protect the crowns from frost and weeds.
Add Mulch
Mulch the bed with straw, leaves, or wood chips, to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. You can also add some organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, every few weeks during the growing season, to encourage healthy growth.
Keep in Mind
Do not harvest any asparagus spears in the first year, as they need to establish a strong root system. In the second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks. In the third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants.
How to Harvest Asparagus?
Now, coming to the most important part that you wanted to know about. Let us talk about the ways to harvest asparagus!
To harvest asparagus, you need a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. You should cut the spears at the base, about an inch below the soil surface.
Be careful not to damage the crown or the emerging spears. You should also avoid cutting too many spears from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one-third of the spears on each plant.
You should harvest asparagus every day or every other day, depending on how fast the spears grow. You should stop harvesting asparagus when the spears become thinner than a pencil, as this indicates that the plant is running out of energy.
You should then let the spears grow into ferns, which will replenish the crown and prepare it for the next season.
How to Store and Freeze Asparagus?
Unlike lettuce, which you can store for more than a week, asparagus is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. If you can't eat it right away, you should store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To keep it fresh, you should trim the ends of the spears and stand them upright in a glass of water or wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag.
If you want to preserve asparagus for longer, you can freeze it. To freeze asparagus, you should first wash and trim the spears, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the thickness.
Blanching is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil.
After blanching, you should drain and cool the spears, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze asparagus for up to a year, and use it in soups, casseroles, or stir-fries.
How to Prevent and Treat Asparagus Pests and Diseases?
Asparagus is generally a hardy and resilient plant, but it can still suffer from some pests and diseases that can affect its growth and quality.
Here are some of the most common problems that affect asparagus plants, and how to prevent or treat them:
Asparagus beetles
These are small, black or red beetles that feed on the spears and the ferns, causing them to wilt and turn brown. They can also lay eggs on the spears, which hatch into larvae that chew on the stems and leaves.
To prevent asparagus beetles, you should keep the area around the plants clean and weed-free, and remove any old or damaged spears. To treat asparagus beetles, you can hand-pick them and their eggs, or spray them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fusarium wilt
This is a fungal disease that infects the roots and the crowns of the plants, causing them to rot and die. It can also cause the spears to become yellow, twisted, and stunted. Fusarium wilt is more likely to occur in poorly drained, acidic, or infested soil.
To prevent fusarium wilt, you should plant disease-resistant varieties, rotate crops, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat fusarium wilt, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and apply fungicides to the soil.
Rust
This is another fungal disease that affects the ferns, causing them to develop orange or brown spots and pustules. Rust can reduce the vigor and yield of the plants, and make them more susceptible to other diseases. Rust is more likely to occur in humid, wet, or shady conditions.
To prevent rust, you should plant resistant varieties, space the plants well, and prune any excess or infected ferns. To treat rust, you should apply fungicides to the ferns, and avoid watering them from above.
Crown rot
This is a bacterial disease that causes the crowns and the bases of the spears to become soft, mushy, and foul-smelling. Crown rot can spread quickly and kill the plants. Crown rot is more likely to occur in wet, compacted, or poorly drained soil.
To prevent crown rot, you should plant healthy crowns, improve the drainage and aeration of the soil, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat crown rot, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and disinfect the tools and the soil.
Bonus: How to Cook and Enjoy Asparagus?
There are many ways to cook and enjoy asparagus, from steaming, boiling, roasting, grilling, to sautéing. The key is not to overcook it, as it will become mushy and lose its flavor.
You should cook asparagus until it is bright green and crisp-tender, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the method and the thickness of the spears.
You can season asparagus with salt, pepper, butter, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, cheese, or any other condiments you like. You can also pair asparagus with eggs, bacon, ham, chicken, fish, pasta, rice, or salad. Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can complement any meal.
Wrapping It Up!
Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable that you can grow and harvest in your own garden. It's easy to care for, once you know how to harvest asparagus properly.
You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall and before the tips start to open up. You should cut the spears at the base and leave some on the plant to grow into ferns. It would be best to store asparagus in the refrigerator for later use.
And yes, you should also enjoy the many benefits and flavors of asparagus, by cooking it in various ways and pairing it with different dishes. Asparagus is a springtime delight that you don't want to miss.
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Fostering a connection between children and the great outdoors has become more important.
Playful landscapes offer a unique solution to this modern challenge by seamlessly integrating play areas into your lawn, creating a harmonious environment that encourages physical activity, creativity, and family bonding.
Choosing the right type of grass
When considering grass types for your playful landscape, opt for those that are hardy and resilient, able to withstand the wear and tear of active play. Bermuda grass and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices due to their durability and lush appearance.
These grasses recover well from foot traffic and require moderate maintenance, balancing playability and aesthetics. These grasses are available for purchase via the convenience of the Internet (http://www.naturesseed.com).
Designing play zones with natural elements
How often do we see playgrounds today? The answer is very rarely. Kids are nowadays trapped in technology and gadgets- they have almost forgotten the importance of playground. But as adults, we are responsible for keeping this feeling mortal in them. And what helps in doing so? Making the playgrounds more attractive with organic elements.
Integrate play areas with their natural environment using gentle slopes, mounds, and pathways. These additions improve the aesthetic value, pique kids' interest, and inspire creativity. Adding native trees and plants to playgrounds has multiple benefits, including aesthetics, environmental education, and biodiversity.
Incorporating safe play equipment
Playful landscapes must prioritize the installation of secure play equipment. You may put in swings, slides, and climbing structures suitable for different ages that still fit in with the architecture. Ensure everything is in working order and up to code before using it. A well-designed playground incorporating natural elements will encourage youngsters to play and learn.
Blending play areas with aesthetic appeal
Aesthetics shouldn't take a back seat to functionality while designing an entertaining and engaging environment. Use landscaping components like rocks, grasses, and flowers to help blend the playsets in with the rest of the yard. This method results in a space that is appealing to the eyes of both young and old.
Maintenance tips for a lively lawn
Your landscaping should be maintained regularly to keep it looking fresh and appealing. Maintain a proper mowing height, water the grass well, and immediately fix bald spots. You should consider aerating and overseeding the grass to keep it lush and healthy, so your kids will have a great place to play.
Environmental considerations
Make your landscaping more environmentally responsible without sacrificing fun. A greener and more sustainable playground is possible through rainwater collection systems, native plant varieties, and organic fertilizers. Instilling lifelong lessons of environmental responsibility in children through their play space is worthwhile.
Enhancing family bonding through play
An environment with play opportunities improves bonding among family members. Have a picnic, do some gardening, and compete against each other in fun contests. Children will remember these times fondly far into adulthood, and the relationships between family members will grow stronger as a result.
Boosting children's creativity and imagination
Playful landscapes inspire creativity and imagination by providing a constantly shifting canvas for play. Encourage children to make forts, nature-inspired artwork, and imaginative activities. The flexibility to experiment and explore promotes cognitive growth and problem-solving abilities.
Final words
Adding playsets to your yard may completely alter the vibe of your outdoor space, making it a more inviting place for kids to spend time and develop their interests. You may make a landscape that entertains, teaches, and enhances through careful planning and a balance between natural and artificial features.
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Are you thinking about bedroom decor ideas for this summer? Seems like we have heard your thoughts already!
When we think about summer, we start to paint a picture already: summer berries, enjoying Pimm’s with close ones, and whatnot! But what if I tell you there is another way to enjoy your summer? Yes! Your bedroom.
Summer is a warm hug and a perfect moment to give your bedroom a seasonal look. You just transform the bedroom that captures its vibrancy and calmness.
A well-decorated bedroom enhances your living space. Moreover, it affects your frame of mind and happiness levels. However, summer is the right time to refresh and revamp your bedroom decoration.
This period offers an opportunity to introduce lighter shades. With warmer weather and longer days, transform the place into a serene summer retreat.
Here are some creative summer bedroom decor ideas to help you bring the summer’s feeling into your room:
Bedroom decor ideas to update your home for summer
When I was a kid, I always saw Mum making a huge deal of changing bedsheets into linens during summer. We even had summer special lighting and curtains. My mum used to love decorating the bedrooms based on the seasons.
I feel like this has been passed on to me. Be it my college dorm or my present bedding, I always try to change the settings.
Today, I will share a few bedroom decor ideas to help you decorate your room this summer.
Choose Lightweight Bedding
Switching to lightweight bedding is one of the best decisions for this season. Heavy duvets and thick blankets offer warmth during winter months. But during summer, they make a house stuffy and uncomfortable.
So, go for materials such as cotton or linen that breathe and keep one cool during hot summer nights. Some of the options include light quilts or plain cotton sheet sets. These options provide comfort and create a relaxed and casual atmosphere in the room.
Consider Coastal Decorations
Coastal decor can be included in your bedroom to bring the beach’s essence. The idea behind this is that coastal décor reminds people about being on holiday. Their bedrooms feel like they have escaped from everything else around them.
They feel completely new again, full of ocean freshness and air seasoned by relaxation.
If you want an ocean theme, you can start with soft blues and sandy beige. I recommend ending your decoration with crisp whites to give it a more vacation vibe. You can also provide textures like rattan or driftwood. That’d be a nice, desirable addition to it.
Alternatively, one can hang pictures of oceans, beaches, and coastal landscapes on their walls. This will give the impression of the summer holiday they went on vacation. So, whenever you enter the room, you will feel like you are at your favorite resort.
Choose a Summer Color Palette
If you switch to a summer color palette, your bedroom atmosphere can change. In summer, colors should be light, bright, and cheerful.
For instance, there are some shades like sunshine yellow, green, and pastel pink, which, when integrated into your space, make you happy and energized again.
You do not have to repaint the whole room to adopt a summer color palette; small changes make all the difference. For example, adding colorful throws at the end of the bed or changing pillow covers might be enough.
Sometimes, even new pieces of vibrant artwork may also help refresh your space here and there, depending on how far you want to go with it.
Don’t forget the walls
To maintain your summer theme, you can choose light and airy paintings and photographs. Now, if you want my suggestions, I recommend you go for floral photos. Crafted pieces in spring or summer palettes can also help your bedroom look more cozy and summerlike.
Add Decorative Pillows
Decorative pillows can freshen up the bedroom for the summer. They do more than add a pop of color; they introduce new textures and make rooms look warm and cozy.
Therefore, when considering which pillows to buy for your summer home, think about colorful items that reflect the right mood for the season.
However, some pillow designs have been made specifically for this period, so you have to pick such ones on our website. These could be tropical print themes, floral prints, or nautical motifs, among others, but not limited to them.
Furthermore, texture should also be considered when purchasing these items. These may consist of cotton, flaxen, or light velvets, which, in most cases, give them deeper emphasis.
Add Summer Florals
There’s something about vibrant blooms that reminds us of summer. You can bring nature indoors and make your room smell amazing by incorporating flowers. Several options include summer florals in your bedroom, ranging from real bouquets to flower patterns.
So begin by putting a vase full of fresh flowers on top of a nightstand or dressing table. All you need to do is select those that are flowering during this time, such as peonies, sunflowers, or daisies.
Not only will the attractiveness and fragrance included in one package make it feel special. If you don’t want live plants, then go ahead and purchase artificial ones, which are still good since forever may never come anyway.
Bringing It All Together
These suggestions can help you create a cohesive summer look in your bedroom. Start with a neutral palette and then gradually add summer elements.
You could begin by changing your bedding and slightly embellishing it with some pillows. Then, choose a few coastal décor items and anything else on your color scheme during summer. Last but not least, include some summer blossoms in your design stage.
The idea is to create an environment that feels light and breezy and has all the charms of summertime.
Do not hesitate to try out different combinations until you find one that suits your style best while keeping things fun and summery in your bedroom retreats at all times.
Conclusion
Redecorating the bedroom for the hot season may be an exciting project. This will involve selecting lighter linens, going nautical, settling on colors for warmer months, including extra cushions, and involving more summer florals.
Get started today, turning your bedroom into an ultimate haven for this year’s warmest period! Lastly, if anyone wishes for any decor-related things such as pillows, curtains, and many other bedding materials, then consider checking out the Latest Bedding.
They have quality products, such as stylish ones, that can bring dreams concerning what kind of decorations are expected in homes every weekend over the summer holidays.
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