Published on: 19 October 2018
Last Updated on: 15 November 2021
Shower pods are the best thing that has entered the London market in recent years. They’re perfect for achieving that modern and sleek vibe, making your home look minimalist. Additionally, the pods make sure that your bathrooms stay clean, free from water spills and splashes from your energetic little ones. So, shower pods are very functional and quite handy to have around especially if you are starting a family. They allow you to have more time to spend for yourself since you won’t need to clean up water puddles every few seconds.
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your shower pods in tip-top shape. Here are two crucial things you should remember to make sure that your shower pods will still be in good condition even after a few years.
Different Ways To Maintain The Shower Pods
There are several factors that you have to consider while you want to maintain your shower pods in all possible manners. Work out the plans that can help you to achieve your goals in the best possible ways.
1. Mould prevention
Any shower will eventually grow mould if not cleaned regularly. You should immediately remove mould to avoid health complications. In a mouldy environment, you may be more prone to coughing, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation. It would also pose a serious risk to those who have mould allergies or lung illnesses.
Mould loves to grow in moist environments, and that’s why even shower pods are vulnerable to it. To effectively clean mould, use a damp cloth to wipe every available surface you see in your shower pod. For stubborn ones, you need to make a DIY solution by mixing 1-part bleach and 1-part water. Spray the DIY solution onto the affected area and wait for at least 15-20 minutes. You can rinse the surface afterward. Repeat the process as necessary. To avoid mould from growing in the future, you should open at least one window in your bathroom. It will ensure that there will be proper ventilation and airflow to prevent humidity inside.
2. Glass cleaning
All pods have shower glass which is what makes them famous in the home fixture market. The shower glass needs to be cleaned at least once a week to maintain its sheen and beautiful finish. The cause of this is the shampoo and soap deposits that stick to the shower door glass while you’re bathing. You need to clean your shower pod often. If you do it regularly, all deposits will be easily removed, and it won’t require too much of your time to clean it.
Additionally, you need to drain all the water and dry the shower after use. It will significantly benefit you because there will be no accumulation of soap scum sticking to your glass.
Sometimes, stubborn deposits won’t be easily removed. Apply a glass cleaner to ensure that the glass door is sparkly clean. Use a clean paper towel to apply the glass cleaner and spread the solution in a circular motion. Leave it to do its magic for a few minutes. You’ll see the beautiful result after rinsing it off.
When you do these things, you can guarantee that your shower pod will last you a lifetime. Not to mention you can better protect your family from unwanted diseases and other health problems.
Final Words
Hence, these are some of the factors that you have to take care of while you want to maintain your shower pods in all the possible manners. Do not make your choices in grey while you want to improve the arrangements of the shower pods. Shower pods can make things work in your favor if you select the best one for yourself. Do not make your choices in the wrong direction in all possible manners.
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Lemongrass is a tropical herb that has a fresh and citrusy flavor and aroma. It is one of the most essential herb that is people widely use in Asian cuisines. They especially use it in Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian dishes. It is also a popular ingredient in teas, soups, curries, salads, and marinades. Lemongrass has many health benefits, such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and relieving stress.
But did you know that you can grow and harvest your own lemongrass at home? Yes, you can! Lemongrass is easy to grow and maintain, and can thrive in pots, containers, or gardens. You can enjoy fresh and organic lemongrass all year round, and save money and time from buying it at the store.
In this article, I will show you how to harvest lemongrass, and share some tips and tricks for growing and using this versatile herb. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to harvest lemongrass, and how to make the most of this wonderful herb.
So, if that is something that you want to know, I have you covered! Keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Grow Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a wonderful herb that can add a refreshing and citrusy flavor to your dishes, drinks, and teas.
It is also a beautiful ornamental plant that can brighten up your garden with its tall, graceful stalks and fragrant leaves. Lemongrass is native to tropical regions, but you can grow it in cooler climates as well with some care and preparation.
Here are the steps and conditions for growing lemongrass successfully at home:
1. Choose a healthy lemongrass plant or stalk
You can buy a potted lemongrass plant from a nursery or garden center, or you can start your own from a fresh lemongrass stalk that you can find in most grocery stores or Asian markets. Look for a stalk that is firm, green, and has some roots at the base. Avoid any that are dry, brown, or moldy.
2. Prepare a sunny and warm spot for your lemongrass
Lemongrass loves full sun and heat, so choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a colder region, you can grow lemongrass in a container that you can move indoors during the winter.
Use a large pot with drainage holes and fill it with rich, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. You can also add some compost, manure, or leaf mold to improve the soil quality and fertility.
3. Plant your lemongrass in the soil
If you bought a potted plant, simply transplant it to the ground or a larger container, making sure to bury the roots well and leave some space between the stalks.
If you are starting from a stalk, peel off any dead or yellow leaves and trim the top part to about six inches.
Place the stalk in a glass of water and keep it in a sunny windowsill until roots start to grow, which can take a few weeks.
Then, plant the rooted stalk in the soil, leaving about two inches of the stem above the ground. Space the plants about two feet apart to allow them to spread
4. Water and fertilize your lemongrass regularly
Lemongrass needs moist soil to thrive, so water it frequently and deeply, especially during hot and dry periods.
A good rule of thumb is to water it once a week or whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry. You can also apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
Lemongrass also benefits from a monthly dose of liquid organic fertilizer during the growing season, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract. This will help it grow faster and produce more leaves and stalks.
5. Harvest and enjoy your lemongrass
You can start harvesting your lemongrass when the stalks are about a foot tall and half an inch thick. Cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving about two inches of the stem in the ground.
Additionally, you can use the whole stalk, or peel off the outer layers and use only the tender inner part. You can also harvest the leaves and use them fresh or dried for teas and infusions.
Lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also dry it and store it in an airtight container for later use.
How to Harvest Lemongrass?
Harvesting lemongrass is a simple and satisfying process that can be done in a few steps. Here are the basics of how to harvest lemongrass:
Choose the right time
The best time to harvest lemongrass is when the stalks are about 12 inches tall and 0.5 inches thick. This usually happens after 3 to 4 months of planting. You can harvest lemongrass throughout the year, as long as the temperature is above 40°F. You can also harvest lemongrass in batches, leaving some stalks to grow and regenerate.
Cut the stalks
To harvest lemongrass, you need a sharp knife or scissors, and a clean cutting board. Cut the stalks at the base, as close to the soil as possible. You can cut as many stalks as you need, or as many as you can use within a week. You can also trim off the leaves, as they are not edible and can be used for other purposes.
Wash and store the stalks
After cutting the stalks, wash them under running water, and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can store the stalks in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel, and placed in a plastic bag. They can last for up to a week. You can also freeze the stalks, chopped or whole, in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 6 months.
Dividing Lemongrass: What is It and How to Do It?
Dividing lemongrass is a great way to propagate and maintain this aromatic and flavorful herb. Lemongrass is a perennial plant that grows in clumps of stalks and leaves.
Over time, these clumps can become crowded, woody, and less productive. By dividing lemongrass, you can rejuvenate the plant, increase its yield, and share it with others.
Here are the steps and reasons for dividing lemongrass:
1. When to divide lemongrass?
The best time to divide lemongrass is in the spring, after the last frost date when the plant is actively growing and has new shoots.
You can also divide lemongrass in the fall if you live in a warm winter climate or if you plan to overwinter the divisions indoors.
Avoid dividing lemongrass in the summer, when the heat and drought can stress the plant and reduce its survival rate.
2. How to divide lemongrass?
To divide lemongrass, you must dig up the entire plant and separate it into smaller sections. You can use a shovel, a sharp knife, or your hands to do this.
Each section should have at least one inch of root and several healthy stalks and leaves attached.
You can trim the leaves to about six inches to reduce water loss and make the divisions easier to handle. Discard any old, brown, or damaged parts of the plant.
3. Where to plant lemongrass divisions?
You can plant lemongrass divisions in the same spot where you dug up the parent plant or in a new location with full sun, moist and well-drained soil, and plenty of organic matter.
You can also plant lemongrass divisions in containers at least 10 inches deep with drainage holes. Space the divisions about two feet apart to allow room for growth.
Plant the divisions at the same depth as they were before, with the crown just below the soil surface.
4. How to care for lemongrass divisions?
Lemongrass divisions need regular water and fertilizer to establish and thrive. Water them deeply and frequently, especially during the first few weeks and during hot and dry periods.
You can also apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Fertilize the plants once a month with a liquid organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, during the growing season.
Protect the plants from frost in the winter by moving them indoors or covering them with a frost cloth.
5. How to harvest and use lemongrass divisions?
You can start harvesting lemongrass divisions when they are about a foot tall and half an inch thick. Cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving about two inches of the stem in the ground. You can use the whole stalk, peel off the outer layers, and use only the tender inner part.
Additionally, you can also harvest the leaves and use them fresh or dried for teas and infusions. Lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also dry it and store it in an airtight container for later use.
How to Use Lemongrass in Food?
Lemongrass has a long, green stalk with a bulbous base and grassy leaves. It has a lemony taste with a hint of mint and ginger. Lemongrass can be used fresh, dried, or powdered, depending on the recipe and preference. Here are some ways related to how to use lemongrass in different ways:
Fresh lemongrass
Firstly, fresh lemongrass is the most aromatic and versatile form of lemongrass. You can find it in the produce section of most supermarkets, Asian markets, or online.
To prepare fresh lemongrass, you need to peel off the tough outer layers and trim off the root end and the top third of the stalk. You can use a sharp knife or scissors to do this. The part that you want to use is the pale and tender lower part of the stalk.
After that, you can slice it thinly, chop it finely, or bruise it with a pestle or the back of a knife. Slicing or chopping is good for salads, stir-fries, curries, and marinades, while bruising is good for soups, stews, and broths.
You can also make a paste by pounding or blending lemongrass with other ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, chilies, and cilantro.
A paste is great for adding flavor to meats, seafood, tofu, and rice. You can store fresh lemongrass in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.
Dried lemongrass
Secondly, dried lemongrass is less potent than fresh lemongrass but still has a nice, lemony flavor. You can buy it in whole or sliced form or dry your lemongrass by hanging the stalks in a warm and airy place until they are brittle.
Dried lemongrass is good for making teas, infusions, and herbal blends. You can also use it to flavor soups, stews, and broths, but you must soak it in hot water for about 20 minutes before adding it to the pot.
Additionally, you can store dried lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Powdered lemongrass
Lastly, powdered lemongrass is the most convenient form of lemongrass, as it does not require any preparation. You can buy it in spice shops, Asian markets, or online.
Powdered lemongrass has a mild and sweet flavor and can be used in baking, desserts, sauces, and dressings. You can also sprinkle it over salads, soups, and stir-fries for a touch of freshness.
The shelf life of powdered lemongrass is also great. For up to six months, you can store powdered lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.
How to Use Lemongrass in Other Things?
Apart from cooking, you can use lemongrass in many other ways. Some of the best and most popular uses of this herb are as follows:
Beautifying
You can use lemongrass to make your own beauty products, such as soap, lotion, or shampoo. You can infuse the stalks or the leaves with oil, such as coconut, olive, or almond oil.
Moreover, you can also add other ingredients, such as honey, aloe vera, or essential oils. You can use the products to cleanse, moisturize, or scent your skin and hair.
Healing
You can use lemongrass to treat various ailments, such as headaches, colds, or infections. You can inhale the steam from boiling the stalks or the leaves, or apply the oil to your temples, chest, or throat.
Additionally, you can also drink the tea, or gargle with the syrup. You can use the products to relieve pain, inflammation, or congestion.
Wrapping It Up!
If you want to know how to harvest lemongrass, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries about 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 bottom of the page. Then leave your suggestions and comments in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
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Choosing the right concreting solutions is a cornerstone in the journey of constructing or renovating your home. It not only guarantees durability and structural integrity but also elevates the aesthetic appeal of your living space. Concrete, with its unmatched versatility, stands as a pillar in residential construction, marrying the qualities of strength, longevity, and design flexibility.
As we delve into the realm of concreting solutions suitable for various facets of home construction, from the foundational elements to decorative finishes, it becomes evident how these solutions significantly enhance both the functionality and appearance of our homes.
Understanding Different Types of Concrete
Concrete comes in various forms, each suited to specific applications in home construction. Here's a look at the primary types:
Standard Concrete: The foundation of most construction projects, known for its strength and durability, suitable for driveways, sidewalks, and structural foundations.
High-Strength Concrete: Offers enhanced durability and load-bearing capabilities, ideal for areas requiring superior strength.
Lightweight Concrete: Used where less structural mass or better insulation is needed, it provides thermal efficiency and is easier to work with.
Decorative Concrete: Enables aesthetic customization for home exteriors and interiors through options like colored, stamped, or polished concrete.
Benefits of Concrete in Home Construction
The benefits of using concrete in home construction are manifold. Its durability stands up to extreme weather, heavy traffic, and the wear and tear of daily life, ensuring structures that last generations. Concrete's thermal mass contributes to energy efficiency, helping maintain consistent indoor temperatures and potentially lowering energy costs. Moreover, its versatility allows architects and builders to explore creative designs, molding concrete into various shapes and finishes to complement any architectural style.
Innovative Concreting Techniques for Homes
Innovative concreting techniques, such as stamped concrete, polished concrete, and concrete overlays, push the boundaries of traditional concrete applications, offering homeowners unique ways to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their exteriors and interiors.
Stamped concrete introduces textures that mimic natural materials, while polished concrete floors bring a sleek, high-gloss finish to any room. Concrete overlays provide a fresh look for existing concrete surfaces without the need for complete replacement, making them a cost-effective option for renovations.
Choosing the Right Concrete for Your Project
Selecting the appropriate concrete for your endeavor requires a thorough assessment of your project's unique demands, whether it's for construction or renovation. This entails evaluating the visual goals you aim to achieve, the structural requirements essential for stability and safety, and the adaptability of the materials to the specific climate conditions in your area. Additionally, financial considerations are pivotal in this selection process.
The cost implications of various concrete types and their associated finishing methods can significantly influence your final decision. Engaging a Perth concreter, such as Project Concrete, ensures expert guidance in navigating these considerations, guaranteeing that your choice aligns with both your aesthetic preferences and budgetary constraints.
Maintenance and Care for Concrete Surfaces
Maintaining concrete surfaces is straightforward, involving routine sealing to protect against moisture and stains, regular cleaning to preserve appearance, and prompt repair of any cracks or wear to prevent further damage. Such care ensures the longevity and beauty of concrete installations, contributing to the overall value of your home.
Disadvantages Of Concrete For Home
When building concrete slab foundations, constructors are aware of the reason why it needs to be freezed. Apart from the worry that the foundation might crack, there is also concern about cost savings. One thing that you might not have to worry about at all is when you use concrete for your home, it is quite safe.
There is no problem when it comes to the base of the house and how it might decrease the risk of damage with regards to the instances of buying or building a home with concrete. There are several benefits which we have already mentioned, however, there are some drawbacks as well.
You need to go through the disadvantages of using concrete so that you can consider all pros and cons. This will help you in understanding the need for concrete or should you choose another option when building a home.
Read about the drawbacks that are described below in detail. You can decide on your own regarding making the choice of whether or not you would like to choose concrete as your choice for the house site!
Labor
Not everyone knows how to use concrete and accordingly, they know how to implement the concrete and tools that will help in building concrete structures.
It is quite common to understand that you will need to learn about how concrete works and efficiently work on looking for laborers.
These laborers must know how to use concrete and the tools or else it might be difficult especially when the process is expensive!
Cost
Using concrete is one of the most expensive ways of building a house! There is labor, material costs, transportation costs and market competition. When evaluating the conditions based on which you are building a house, there can be serious concerns regarding the expenses of a traditional home.
Several factors influence the way your house is built! I agree that there are long term benefits to the use of concrete however, it can significantly impact your costing and budgeting when building a house.
Pests
With concrete becoming the foundation of your house, there can be a chance that there can be pests such as roaches and termites. Considering the house is closer to the ground, the insects and pests can easily enter through the walls accessing the infrastructure of the house.
It will severely impact the woods across the house along with concerns if you sit on the ground!
Heating And Cooling
If there is a unit for air-conditioning or there is a furnace installed, there is a high chance that it will affect the concrete. These devices when installed in the ground floor will take up room directly impacting your purpose.
Slab Cracks
One of the most potential concerns when using concrete is that there can be cracks in the concrete! Now that we have already discussed about it being costly, it can be expensive to repair the house especially when there are cracks.
It will look bad! Do you wonder how these cracks have developed? Earthquakes, frozen ground or tree roots are common concerns due to which the cracks in the concrete appear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, concrete offers a versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for home construction and renovation projects. By understanding the different types of concrete, their benefits, and the innovative techniques available, homeowners can make informed decisions that meet their structural and design needs.
Whether laying a new foundation, upgrading a patio, or seeking durable and stylish flooring options, the right concreting solutions can significantly enhance the livability and appeal of your home, ensuring it stands the test of time.
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10 Points To Remember If You Are Building A Residential House
Home Decoration At Its Best: 7 Key Ideas To Recreate Your Home
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Plants have a significant role in our day-to-day life and affect the various activities of life in a big manner. Besides, enhancing the beauty of the place, it can also play a positive role in improving the internal aura and vibes inside your home. If you want to attain positivity and a good internal environment in your home, here are some of the amazing flowering plants and herbs that are recommended by the Vastu Shastra experts.
Planting flowering plants might not be the easiest thing to do. Caring for them through regular maintenance, use of fertilizers, trimming and pruning might require you to call in an expert. You can call Tree Service Pearland for advice on flowering plants as they are one of the leading experts in this field. They can advise you on different watering routines and make you understand the individual needs and requirements of the different plants.
Read More: 3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How To Design
Jasmine-
Plants with sweet swelling flowers such as jasmine, red lotus, blue lotus, and others are perfect to be grown in the house compounds as they emit a pleasant fragrance. You can also use these lovely flowers in daily worshipping activities. These wonderful flowers are further available around the year and can be used as a hair decoration item.
Thorny plants-
Although, thorny plants should be avoided in the house but beautiful roses are an exception to this rule. This is because rose plants don’t have many prickly thorns like their counterpart cactus plants. Besides this, roses symbolize auspiciousness and can be grown in your home without any restriction from Vastu experts. The important reason for disallowing thorny plants in the house is that they bring a lot of negative energy and can cause kidney and lungs related health issues. Apart from the roses, you can also grow citrus fruits such as lemon and Bel tree that are considered lucky in spite of having thorns.
Basil-
One of the popular indoor flowering plants that can be easily found in various Indian households is Basil or Tulsi. It is a wonderful auspicious plant that is described in various scriptures and cultures. Tulsi is regarded sacred by people and is believed to bring prosperity and good luck to your home. The amazing plant is known to have extraordinary medicinal properties that make it truly effective against blood and digestive system problems along with its extraordinary use in Ayurvedic medicines. However, this exceptional plant needs to be placed in the north, north-east or eastern part of the house.
Creepers-
Ensure that the creepers and other plants are not growing by using your building or compound wall as the support system as these clingers can easily creep inside the tiny cracks and holes in the walls. According to the Vastu experts, creepers should be allowed to grow outside the house but the creeper-like money plant needs to be grown inside the house only.
Lilies-
This extraordinary flowering plant is known to radiate happiness and harmony in the home of any owner. It is also effective in bringing calmness and serenity to the internal home environment. This amazing plant is recommended to be placed in the living room, bedroom or any other room where meditation is performed. It is highly advised by Vastu experts for a peaceful environment and aura.
It is high time to buy flowering plants online for your home in India or abroad in order to channelize the positive energy and aura in your home for achieving prosperity, good luck, and health.
Read More:
How To Choose The Right Containers For Your Container Garden
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