Published on: 30 June 2021
Last Updated on: 03 January 2025
Mint is a wonderful plant that practically cultivates itself. So fast is its growth that it can threaten to spread across and take over your entire yard or garden. One way to battle this is to confine its growth by planting it in a pot or a separate bed. However, once you have this plant, you will be glad, because it has properties that make it fruity and a great addition to tea and foods.
As can be seen here, it is also quite useful in health remedies that can aid digestion and relieve headaches. We know you already feel enthralled by this herb and would like to know more. So, why don’t you read on and discover more amazing things about mint…
What Mint is All About
Mint is an herb that is perennial and has a very wonderful fragrance. Its leaves are toothed and may have tiny pink, white, or purple flowers. Mint has so many variants from crinkled or smooth, to fuzzy or shiny. However, one thing is constant despite what kind of variant it is; all mints have that wonderful fragrance.
Hence, whenever you pick up any variant of this great herb and roll it in your fingers, you would get the same smell that will make you either think of sweet teas, candy, or mint juleps.
Aside from being a wonderful kitchen companion, this herb is also used as ground covers, garden accents, herbal medicines, and air fresheners. Mints are functional as well as beautiful and can grow either in shades or under the sun. However, as we already said, this plant is a vigorous spreader; therefore, unless you want to have too much than you need, you have to be very deliberate about planting it.
Uses
We have already stated several things that mints can be used for, but there are still so many more benefits of this wonderful herb. Below are some of these benefits:
Can be used to make mint tea. To do this, simply put the leaves in a cup of hot water and then leave it to sit for some minutes.
Make tasty ice cubes with it by freezing the leaves with raspberries and cranberries.
Add it to a salad dressing, marinades, or fruit salad.
Use it to relieve headaches by applying It’s oil to the temples.
It can also be used to relieve anxiety and stress.
Yes, mints have many other health benefits, but though not a practical use, it is also used as a virtue symbol.
Planting Mints
If you decide to plant mints in your garden or yard, then below are some important things that you have to know:
They flourish in light earth which has good drainage.
Their original habitats are stream banks, so, the site you plant them should imitate stream bank soils. That is to say, ensure the soil you plant your mints is moist but also well-drained.
Variegated mints should not be planted in direct sun as they require a bit of shade.
Mints typically grow to become one to two feet tall.
If you plant them in a container or pot, then you would need to topdress them with organic or compost fertilizer once in a few months.
If you plant mints in your garden, ensure to plant them next to tomatoes or cabbages, this will help contain their spread and prevent them from stealing your crops’ nutrients.
Care
Mints do not require that much care; however, you should consider the following points when caring for them:
If planted outdoor, use light mulch. You can visit https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-mulch-1402413 to read up more on mulch. The light mulch will ensure the soil remains moist and also help the leaves to stay clean.
If planted indoors, then ensure you water them often to help the soil stay evenly moist.
Mints should be picked and pruned regularly. Like we have stated many times already, these guys are fast spreaders, therefore, you would need a lot of pruning to stop them from taking over everything. This should not worry you since their roots are shallow making it quite easy to drag them out of the soil.
The Propagating
You do not need to do a lot to propagate mint. The perfect way to go about this is to find the plant which you like and then cut out of it. Ensure the cutting is at least 6 inches and has ample roots attached. Then plant them in the soil horizontally.
You can always get a cutting from a gardening friend, so this is nothing to worry about.
Harvesting and Storing
To learn how to harvest mint is quite easy, it typically does not involve any special skill. You may either pick the leaves individually, or you may use shears to prune the plant and then take off the leaves from the stem you had cut off.
Despite the harvesting process being relatively easy, you need to remember a few things when you harvest your mints:
Frequent harvesting will keep the plant at its best.
The younger leaves have a better flavor than the old ones.
You can pluck the leaves whenever you need mints.
If you need dry mints, then pluck the leaves before flowering and then save them in an airtight container.
You can also store fresh mints that you do not immediately have use for. To do this, put water in a glass and then put the stems inside the water. The mint will stay fresh for 3 to 7 days this way. You may equally put the mints inside a rubber bag and then store them in your refrigerator. This should keep it fresh for at least a week.
Conclusion
Mint is an herb that would make a very great addition to your garden or yard. But, without proper knowledge about the plant, everything may spiral out of control. Therefore, you must have basic knowledge about planting, caring for, and harvesting this plant before you farm it.
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Sunflowers are not only beautiful and cheerful, but they also produce delicious and nutritious seeds that you can enjoy as a snack or use in various recipes. Harvesting sunflower seeds is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your whole family. It is also a great way to teach your kids about nature, gardening, and healthy eating.
In this article, I will show you how to harvest sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your sunflower harvest. If you enjoyed reading my blog on harvesting lettuce, you will enjoy reading this one!
So, if that is what you are interested in knowing, I have you covered! Keep reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Grow Sunflower Seeds: A Simple and Rewarding Gardening Project?
Sunflowers are one of the most iconic and cheerful flowers in the world. They are also one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow from seeds.
Sunflowers can brighten up your garden, attract pollinators, provide shade, and produce edible seeds that you can harvest and enjoy.
In this part of the article, I will show you how to grow sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your sunflower growing experience.
How to Choose Sunflower Seeds?
The first step to growing sunflower seeds is to choose the right seeds for your garden. Sunflowers come in a wide range of sizes, colors, shapes, and types. Some of the most common types of sunflowers are:
Giant sunflowers
These are the tallest and largest sunflowers, reaching up to 15 feet in height and 12 inches in diameter. They produce huge and heavy flower heads that are filled with large and plump seeds. They are ideal for creating a dramatic and impressive display in your garden, as well as for harvesting large quantities of seeds. Some examples of giant sunflowers are Mammoth, Titan, and Kong.
Dwarf sunflowers
These are the smallest and shortest sunflowers, growing up to 3 feet in height and 6 inches in diameter. They produce smaller and lighter flower heads that are easier to manage and maintain. They are ideal for growing in containers, pots, or small spaces, as well as for adding a splash of color and charm to your garden. Some examples of dwarf sunflowers are Teddy Bear, Sunny Smile, and Little Becka.
Colored sunflowers
These are the most diverse and colorful sunflowers, ranging from yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, brown, and even green. They produce medium-sized flower heads that are attractive and eye-catching. They are ideal for creating a vibrant and varied display in your garden, as well as for cutting and arranging in bouquets or vases. Some examples of colored sunflowers are Autumn Beauty, Moulin Rouge, and Lemon Queen.
Things to Consider While Choosing Sunflower Seed
When choosing sunflower seeds, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. For instance, you should also consider the following factors:
Climate and season of your area
Sunflowers are warm-season plants that need full sun and warm temperatures to grow and bloom. They are best planted in late spring or early summer, after the last frost, when the soil is warm and moist. If you live in a cold or frost-prone area, you can start your seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors when the weather is favorable.
Soil and water conditions of your garden
Sunflowers are adaptable and tolerant plants that can grow in most types of soil, as long as they are well-drained and fertile. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They also need regular watering, especially during the germination and flowering stages. However, they can withstand some drought and dryness once they are established.
Space and support available in your garden
Sunflowers are large and sturdy plants that need ample space and support to grow and thrive. They should be planted at least 2 to 3 feet apart from each other and from other plants, to avoid overcrowding and competition. They should also be staked or tied to a fence, a trellis, or a pole, to prevent them from bending or breaking under their own weight.
How to Plant Sunflower Seeds?
Once you have chosen your sunflower seeds, you can proceed to the next step. Planting sunflower seeds is a simple process that involves preparing, sowing, and caring for the seeds. Here is how to do it:
Prepare the Soil
Prepare the soil by loosening it with a fork or a spade. Ensure that you remove debris, weeds, or rocks. You can also enrich your soil by adding some compost, manure, or fertilizer, to boost its fertility and drainage. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy, and has a temperature of at least 50°F.
Sow the Seeds
Sow the seeds by making holes or furrows in the soil, about 1 to 2 inches deep and 2 to 3 feet apart. You can use a ruler, a stick, or your finger to make the holes or furrows. Drop one or two seeds in each hole or furrow, and cover them lightly with soil. You can also sprinkle some water over the seeds to help them settle in the soil.
Nurture
Care for the seeds by watering them regularly, but not excessively, to keep the soil moist but not wet. You can also mulch the soil with straw, grass clippings, or leaves, to retain moisture and prevent weeds. You should also protect the seeds from birds, squirrels, or other animals, by covering them with a net, a cage, or a cloche. You should also thin the seedlings when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall, by removing the weaker or smaller ones, and leaving only the strongest and healthiest ones.
How to Grow Sunflower Seeds?
After planting your sunflower seeds, you can watch them grow and enjoy their beauty and bounty. Growing sunflower seeds is a rewarding and satisfying experience that requires minimal maintenance and care. Here are some tips and tricks to grow sunflower seeds successfully:
Water
Water your sunflowers regularly, but not excessively, to keep the soil moist but not wet. Sunflowers need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather and the soil conditions. You can use a hose, a sprinkler, or a drip irrigation system to water your sunflowers. You should water them in the morning or evening, and avoid wetting the leaves or the flower heads, to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your sunflowers occasionally, but not excessively, to boost their growth and flowering. Sunflowers need a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20 formula. You can apply the fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, following the instructions on the label. You should avoid over-fertilizing your sunflowers, as this can cause them to grow too tall and weak, and make them prone to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Prune your sunflowers occasionally, but not excessively, to improve their shape and health. Sunflowers do not need much pruning, as they are naturally self-pruning and self-cleaning. However, you can prune them to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, stems, or flowers, to prevent infection and improve air circulation. You can also prune them to control their height and spread, by pinching or cutting off the tips of the main stem or the side branches.
You should use clean and sharp scissors or pruners to prune your sunflowers and do it in the morning or evening when the plants are less stressed.
When to Harvest Sunflower Seeds?
The first step to harvesting sunflower seeds is to know when they are ready. Sunflowers typically bloom in the summer and their seeds mature in late summer or early fall. You can tell when your sunflowers are ready to harvest by looking at their appearance and feel. Here are some signs that your sunflowers are ready to harvest:
Petals have fallen off or turned brown.
The back of the flower head has turned yellow or brown.
Seeds have developed black and white stripes.
The seeds are plump and firm to the touch.
If you are not sure if your sunflowers are ready to harvest, you can do a simple test by rubbing your thumb over the seeds. If they come off easily, they are ready to harvest. If they are still attached to the flower head, they need more time to ripen.
How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds?
Once you have determined that your sunflowers are ready to harvest, you can proceed to the next step. Harvesting sunflower seeds is a simple process that involves cutting, drying, and storing the seeds. Here is how to do it:
Cut the flower heads from the stems using a sharp knife or scissors. Leave about 12 inches of stem attached to the flower head for easier handling.
Place the flower heads in a dry and well-ventilated area, such as a garage, shed, or porch. You can hang them upside down or lay them flat on a screen or rack. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent mold and rot.
Let the flower heads dry for about two weeks or until the seeds are completely dry and hard. You can check the dryness by biting or cracking a seed. If it is crunchy and not moist, it is dry enough.
Remove the seeds from the flower heads by rubbing them gently with your hands or a soft brush. You can also use a fork or a spoon to scrape them off. Discard any debris, such as petals, leaves, or insects.
Store the seeds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, a plastic bag, or a metal tin. Label the container with the date and the variety of sunflower. Keep the container in a cool and dark place, such as a pantry, a cupboard, or a basement.
How to Enjoy Sunflower Seeds?
Now that you have harvested your sunflower seeds, you can enjoy them in various ways. You can eat them raw or roasted, salted or unsalted, shelled or unshelled. You can also use them in salads, soups, breads, muffins, granola, trail mix, pesto, butter, and more.
Sunflower seeds are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help manage high cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation and boost your immune system, brain function, and mood. Here are some tips and tricks to enjoy your sunflower seeds:
Roast
To roast your sunflower seeds, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp. You can season them with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, or any other spices you like.
Shell
To shell your sunflower seeds, you can use your teeth, your fingers, or a nutcracker. You can also soak them in water for a few hours to make them easier to shell. To remove the shells, you can blow them away with a fan, a hair dryer, or your mouth, or you can shake them in a colander or a sieve.
Sunflower Seed Butter
To make sunflower seed butter, you need to blend the shelled and roasted sunflower seeds in a blender until it turns smooth and creamy. You can add a little oil, honey, salt, or vanilla to enhance the flavor and texture. You can use sunflower seed butter as a spread for toast, crackers, or fruit, or as a dip for pretzels, celery, or carrots.
Pesto
To make sunflower seed pesto, blend roasted and shelled sunflower seeds with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or a blender until smooth and thick. You can use sunflower seed pesto as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or sandwiches, or as a dressing for salads or roasted vegetables.
Wrapping It Up!
Harvesting sunflower seeds is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your whole family. It is also a great way to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature, as well as the health benefits of sunflower seeds. By following the steps and tips in this article, you know how to harvest sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as enjoy them in various ways. I hope you found this article helpful and informative.
If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that yo 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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Your home office would look incomplete without flowers. If you are fond of flowers, you would be looking for the best flowers to decorate your home. Flowers are an important part of your life. There is hardly anyone who is not fond of flowers.
You can check out the florist in Jurong East flower shop and find flowers of your choice. Flowers make you feel lively and beautiful. Looking at the flowers reminds you of your young days or maybe about your childhood. If you are starting your business, you can start your day by buying flowers for yourself. You can also send flowers to your customers on their achievements.
Consider the following 3 reasons to get flowers for your home office:
#1. Flowers Create Beautiful Ambiance
If you are looking for a beautiful ambiance, it’s time to decorate your home office with beautiful flowers. It’s a good idea to check out the florist in Jurong East flower shop for finding flowers. You can find flowers of different colors for your home office.
If there is a special occasion, it would be a great idea to decorate your whole house and don’t forget the flowers. If the occasion is related to your business, it would be best to hire professionals so that you can do other important tasks. So if you want your home office to look good, it would be a good idea to select flowers that match the overall theme of your office especially if you are concerned about the looks of your office.
You may also like: Ready to Take the Leap into Self-Employment? Here’s How to Set up an Awesome Home Office
#2. Flowers Smell Good
Instead of using artificial fragrances, you can rely on flowers. Fresh flowers would smell great! You would feel great by smelling the flowers. The flowers can be a great start to your day. It would make you feel great!
When you are concerned about using artificial fragrances, using fresh flowers can be a suitable alternative. Find the best flowers for yourself! You can also send flowers to someone you care about.
You may also like: Leather Furniture is An Essential Improvement for Any Home or Office
#3. Flowers Remind You of Who You Are
When you were a kid, you had rose flowers in your house. Now when you are a grown-up and working from home, you miss the person you once were! How about adding flowers to your home office and getting lost in the memories of your sweet childhood. The flowers in your home office would serve as a reminder of who you were and who you are!
In fact, if you have customers coming to your home office, they would admire the fresh flowers on your desk. It’s a good way to cheer anyone up. You can put flowers on the table. And it’s possible that your customers would be sending you flowers for great performance.
Wrapping It Up
Your home office looks empty without beautiful flowers. It’s a good idea to keep flowers near you so that you can look at the fresh flowers. Plus, the fragrance would make you feel great! You can decorate your home office with flowers on a special occasion.
Read Also:
Transform Your Garage into a Home Office
8 Tried and Tested Secrets of a Productive Home Office
How To Use A Shipping Container As A Home Office
A house with many family members is hard to manage as everyone loves to have their own space. But the limited space can make it crowded by giving your home giving an ugly look. All thanks to modern ideas which have introduced several ideas for crowded families. It makes the house look arranged while keeping in mind adjustments. The look involves the latest trends and lifestyles to develop my sense of styling while keeping my mind comfortable. Apart from these comes your pets, for whom a small kennel door with a dog door could be placed on the lawn of your house. In this article, we will discuss modern home design ideas for crowded families.
Ideal space for Teenagers
A crowded family must have children and teenagers who demand their own space. However, providing each one of them with their separate rooms may not be possible. To overcome this solution, the idea of the shared bedroom can be considered. The design of the bedroom should focus on the needs of children according to their age. To create more space, bunk beds are the most flexible options, leaving you with some empty spaces to play around.
Nowadays, study stable comes with multiples shelves fixed from the wall and can be closed when not in use while creating a good space-saving idea. These shelves are useful hacks for putting their stuff, toys, and books in a proper place. The sofa cum bed could also be turned on into a great option. The beds also come with lots of storage box options where new things, including sports or musical instruments, can be put on. Lastly, the wardrobe cabinet with multiple small shelves and space for hangers will store all their clothes methodically. If there are both boys and girls in a room, try keeping a neutral color of walls like calm grey, which would look pleasant without overly decorated.
Give a multi-dimensional look to your dining room.
For a home with a large number of people, there is much need for multifunctional spaces. The dining spaces could be transformed into a games room or a corner used as a reading place. You can place an armchair with bookshelves placed on the walls. One needs to focus on the preferences of family members for doing so. A television set could also be placed on the other side of the wall there with a lounge for entertainment purposes. You can add some masterpiece painting, vases, or wallpapers to give a modern look in your room. Place a dining table where your family can fit in have a meal together. The buffet tables or smart dining tables with extendable chairs are a great way to save space.
Go for an open kitchen
You can plan your dining room entrance just before the open kitchen as it will save a lot of space in the kitchen. The open kitchen doesn't make it look congested, and the dining room's access will recreate more space into it. It would be easy to serve food and won't create a mess around long pathways. You can place a covered shelves box or drawers in the wall and arrange all your cutleries there for storage options. Make sure to build cabinets below the kitchen slabs where you can store multiple ingredients along with a cylinder at the corner. Put your microwave in one corner and attach extended shelves or cabinets on the walls for keeping more utilities there. A larger counter place would eliminate high trafficking in a home where more than one person works. You can create a specific station in the kitchen for getting your work more organized.
Turn out your lawn into a place to get together
For having a good time, a lounging area can be considered an entertainment room option. The large family tries to do everything together, so the lawn or balcony could be placed with comfy diwan and sofa sets. One could turn it up as a garden by putting up many plants, and the place would be great for a mini picnic spot. You can also add bean bags or swings and decorate them with warm lighting to create a unique evening look. The place would be great for barbeques, or a small get-together. If you don't have much space, you can create a window seat and do partitions using some fabrics to create a visual barrier.
Create congenial public spaces
For your living thing, the best would be to go with L-shaped sofas. They are useful to handle the long stream of guests and can be placed with some more small seaters around. If you have a larger living space, you can break it into shorter sitting with cushions for private conversations. Make sure to use durable surfaces that would be durable and easy to clean the mess in a busy family. This setup will give a warm and comfortable space. You can also place a wall red sea aquarium to use the best of areas. Placing a wall aquarium will consume less space and it will be a center of attraction for everyone.
Conclusion
To avoid the mess, place a standard shoe stand. You can also use the garage's extra space as a storeroom by putting up the different things there. Utilize the basement of your house for this purpose. You can save more space by having shared bathrooms placed between the bedrooms.
Read Also:
7 Ways to Add Character and Style to Your Home
5 Tips For Designing a Tiny House
Design your Kitchen According to Your Budget and Work in Organized Manner
How to Make Your Home Look Like You Hired An Interior Designer
How to Make your Home Look Beautiful in the Upcoming Holidays
