Published on: 05 October 2021
Last Updated on: 06 October 2021
With fall’s arrival, you might think your yard work just shifts over to raking leaves. The sun isn’t shining as hard, and your lawn isn’t getting dry as quickly or growing as fast as it was in the summer.
But if you want a healthy lawn to greet you when the snow melts and the ice thaws, there are plenty of things you can do now to give your yard the care it needs to survive cooler weather ahead.
5 Tips To Prepare Your Lawn For Fall Season
You are investing your whole year to maintain the look of your lawn. But after the fall, you start to face more challenges to bringing that look again. Hence proper care and the right strategies are making your work simple.
Here are the five tips for preparing your lawn for the fall season.
1. Reseed Late In The Growing Season
If your lawn looks thin and brown or has dead patches, the time to reseed is in the late summer/early fall. It always is better to cover all the empty patchy areas of your lawn. Hence after the fall, you will not get enough time to clever up these patchy areas.
Whether you’re seeding a small patch or a whole yard, the cooler, damper weather of this time of year will promote successful growth, eliminate bare patches, and deter the growth of weeds.
Despite less sun and breezier, cooler days, your lawn still needs to be watered. Watering in the fall helps your lawn recover from summer and gain strength for the winter ahead, and while you can reduce your lawn watering, you shouldn’t stop watering completely until the ground freezes.
To make it easier, many Toronto homeowners install sprinkler systems that automatically water whenever they choose. Having lawn sprinklers in Toronto set according to your specific needs is an easy way to keep your grass watered and ensure your lawn is never too wet or dry.
3. Provide More Nutritions
Fertilizing in the fall can also help provide energy and nutrients for the roots of your lawn grass. Fertilizing should be done about three weeks before the last mowing of the season. Roots are the most important part of the plant. After mowing, you can see the roots and provide more nutrition to boost plant growth.
If you do fertilize, keep in mind that watering is a must for the fertilizer to work. The water helps the fertilizer dissolve and soak into the ground where it’s needed.
4. Rake Your Leaves
Make sure you’re raking and removing all of those dead leaves that fall before the snow flies. If you don’t, those pretty leaves will turn into a thick layer of wet leaves that can smother your grass and deprive it of sunlight, which will get in the way of the healthy growth you want.
Plus, it’s much easier to deal with dry leaves of your lawn during fall than wet, soggy leaves in the spring. Not only before the fall but every time raking, your garden’s dry leaves also look cleaner.
5. Cut The Grass Short
With the cooler temperatures setting in, growth will begin to slow down, and your lawn will be preparing for dormancy throughout the winter. It’s essential to continue the mowing process of your lawn during this time.
You will want to cut your grassv shorter than usual during this time of year. Gradually lower the length of the mower until you reach the size of 1-1/2 or 2-inches. This will reduce the chances of snow mold forming in colder climates, and tall grass blades fall flat and smother the new grass next spring.
Conclusion:
Taking time to prepare your lawn for the harsh elements of winter can reduce the amount of time and effort you have to put into nurturing your lawn back to health come springtime. After strictly following these five tips, you can quickly minimize the challenges for the fall session and enjoy the green view again after fall. And in addition, these five tips are also boosting up the fertility rate of your lawn.
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Whether you already have an evacuation plan or are just starting to think about making one, it’s necessary to have different plans for different scenarios. Think about it: does your evacuation plan assume that there will be blue skies and warm temperatures during an evacuation for a fire?
A thorough evacuation plan takes many different situations into account. You should be aware of the different types of evacuations that occur, from natural disasters such as forest fires, landslides, tornados, and house fires.
And yet, often, people forget to plan for adverse weather conditions, like having to wait in a safety zone in frigid temperatures, pouring rain, or a snowstorm or having to leave through emergency exits with heaps of snow or ice obstructing the way.
Checkout Three Prime Reasons You Need A Cold Weather Evacuation Plan:
If you already have an evacuation plan and are prepared with emergency tools like the Evacuscape evacuation chair, you’re already ahead of the game, and winterizing your plan won’t require too many tweaks. If you don’t yet have any evacuation plan in place, you can make your cold weather plan at the same time as your warm weather plan.
Here are some of the key reasons why it’s essential that you plan for cold weather evacuations.
1. Higher Risk of Fires
Between fireplaces, candles, and increased use of heating systems, there’s much more opportunity for fires in the home to occur. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that house fires occur more often in winter than in any other season.
The increased risk must be taken into account during emergency planning for everyone’s safety. Plus, you can take the opportunity to ensure your practice has good fire safety tips.
2. Increased Chance for Severe Weather
Natural weather-related disasters come at all times of the year. Winter brings freezing cold temperatures and all sorts of precipitation – from snowstorms to ice storms. Storms can last for days, and power outages often occur, leading to further safety issues.
It’s essential to know the different scenarios that can occur. For some, it may be safer to stay put indoors, whereas, for others, you may need to leave your home.
You May Also Check: All The Colors You Should Wear This Winter
3. Provides More Opportunities for Safety Planning
Considering different conditions allows you to prepare accordingly. From simple and easy things like keeping a warm coat or jacket available to quickly grab on your way out to keep you warm while waiting outside to advance planning, like making sure exits are clear of snow and ice and making sure windows that might be used are easily opened when the cold and ice start happening.
The whole point of emergency evacuation planning is to ensure people know how to evacuate safely and are familiar with the plan enough that they can remember it in the event of an emergency when feelings of panic are likely to occur.
One thing you will probably never hear someone say is that they regretted taking safety precautions like planning an evacuation plan for their family and going over it every once in a while, to ensure everyone is familiar with it.
Making another evacuation plan for cold weather allows you the opportunity to go over your plan, talk to your family about it, and keep it fresh in everyone’s minds to keep your family safe and protected this winter.
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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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When it comes to furnishing your home, looking for an optimum furniture store is crucial. There are plenty of options available, but it might be a bit overwhelming to make the best choice for your needs and style preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential aspects of selecting the perfect furniture store, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
Why Choosing The Right Furniture Store Matters
Your choice of furniture store can significantly impact the quality, style, and overall satisfaction of your furniture purchase. Here's why it matters:
Quality Assurance
High-quality furniture ensures durability and longevity. Reputable furniture stores toronto source their products from trusted manufacturers, guaranteeing top-notch craftsmanship.
Style And Variety
Each furniture store has its unique style offerings. Finding one that aligns with your taste and home decor is essential for a harmonious living space.
Budget Considerations
Furniture prices can vary significantly from store to store. Choosing a store that fits your budget without compromising on quality is vital.
Customer Service
Excellent customer service can make your shopping experience enjoyable and hassle-free. Friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you make informed decisions.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Furniture Store
Reputation
Look for stores with a strong reputation in the market. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations can help you identify trustworthy options.
Product Quality
Inspect the furniture's materials and construction. Solid wood and high-quality upholstery are signs of a good product.
Style And Aesthetics
Consider your personal style and the overall look you want for your home. Choose a store that aligns with your aesthetic preferences.
Budget-Friendliness
Set a budget beforehand and stick to it. Compare prices from different stores to find the best deal for your budget.
Return Policy And Warranty
Ensure the store offers a reasonable return policy and a warranty on their products. This provides peace of mind in case of any issues.
Delivery And Assembly
Check if the store provides delivery as well as assembly services. This can save you time and effort in setting up your furniture.
Top Furniture Store Chains
IKEA
Popular for its affordable as well as modern furniture sets, IKEA is a favorite among budget-conscious shoppers.
Ashley HomeStore
Ashley HomeStore offers a massive range of stylish and well-crafted furniture pieces suitable for various tastes.
Wayfair
Wayfair is an online retailer with an extensive choice of furniture, making it easy to find unique pieces for your home.
Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel is known for its contemporary and elegant furniture, perfect for those with a taste for sophistication.
Making Your Final Decision
Once you've considered all the factors and explored various options, it's time to make your final decision. Trust your instincts and choose the furniture store that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
Selecting the right furniture store is a crucial step in creating your dream home. With careful consideration of factors like reputation, product quality, style, and budget, you can look up for the best store to fulfill your furnishing needs.
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