If you have a small kitchen, you could find it challenging to organize it and keep your space clutter-free. When you continue to struggle with small kitchen storage, then it’s time to assess how you organize everything. This will help you maximize every inch of kitchen space and ensure that no valuable space is wasted. Top-rated house cleaning in Tucson goes over step by step how to accomplish this task.
How To Organize Small Kitchen
If you are struggling with storage space, here are a few affordable small kitchen storage ideas to make life a little easier.
1. Tension rod
No doubt, a small kitchen could mean having a tough time arranging essentials. But a tension rod can come in handy, especially to keep cleaning supplies safely. Hang your kitchen cleaning supplies from a short tension rod where they are easy to access. What’s more, you can hang rubber cleaning gloves on the tension rod. Your dish-drying towels too can be hidden from plain sight on a tension rod installed in the cabinet.
2. Use up the wall space
Another small kitchen storage idea is to leverage the wall space to store kitchen accessories. Free up the drawer space and use the walls instead of clutter-free storage. You may stash knives on a magnetic rack to make access easy when food preparation is underway.
3. Stack on the rack
One interesting small kitchen storage solution is to locate a bookshelf near the kitchen to store mist essential cooking supplies. You may leverage the space to stack spices, dishware, and even cookbooks.
4. Hang baskets
When it comes to organizing a small kitchen, baskets can come in handy to stack kitchen utensils and cleaning supplies. Better still, you may hang a couple of baskets above a sink to leverage the vacant space. It’s one of the best ideas to stack wet dishes and sponges for quick drying.
Another stylish kitchen storage solution is to hang a wire basket from the ceiling. It could be single or multi-tiered, depending on your storage needs. You can store potatoes, onions, garlic, and any other stuff that also adds visual interest to your kitchen.
5. Floating shelves
Another kitchen storage idea is to add a pair of floating shelves for that extra storage space. This comes in handy if your kitchen lacks room for cabinetry. Easy to install, floating shelves can be hung just about anywhere – even under the bottom shelf. You can hang hand towels, utensils, or coffee mugs.
6. Corner drawer
A small kitchen has little space. But with some creative ideas, you can create smart kitchen storage solutions. The corner drawer is one such space-saving storage idea in a small kitchen, especially for awkward corners. These drawers connect the corners diagonally. As a result, they can pack a lot of stuff that horizontal cabinets cannot.
7. Utensil drawer
When your small kitchen lacks space for crockery and silverware, opt for a built-in utensil drawer. One similar DIY solution, which is affordable as well, is to place stainless steel pots in a deep drawer that has little space. Use these pots for holding small kitchen accessories.
8. Adopt a pantry
Another way to make a small kitchen look bigger is to de-clutter the space by adding a pantry. It is a good storage solution that provides easy access while freeing up the burden on over-stuffed cabinets.
9. On-the-go space
A portable kitchen trolley is a handy addition to a small kitchen. Take it anywhere while it safely stores bulky items. It works like an excellent solution to wheel food to the dining table.
10. Wall-mounted cabinets
Get a little creative with the kitchen décor when you are looking for tips to organize a small kitchen. You may choose a mix of open shelves to show off your favorite cutlery and wall-mounted cabinets to keep stuff out of sight.
Leave some gap between the two to create the impression of extra storage. Picture ledges and hooks can free up the work surface and spruce up the décor.
11. Velcro strips
Velcro strips can come to your rescue in a small kitchen, where you are short on storage space. Attach these strips in two spots to hang towels and other similar stuff to save space.
12. File folders as racks
While a file folder sits empty in your garage, why not put it to the right use in the kitchen? You may be surprised to see that it can be used smartly to organize your kitchen. They come in especially handy to store your kitchen cleaning supplies. Just place all the supplies into the file folders and you do not have to worry about a shortage of space.
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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.
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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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When it comes to dining seating options, you do not only have to choose individual chairs all the time. A dining bench can be a great choice depending on many factors. Let’s find out more about dining bench seats.
What Is A Dining Bench?
A bench is a long seat that allows more than one person to sit. It is usually made of wood but may also be made of metal or synthetic materials. Other types of benches also come with cushions and upholstery to make them more comfortable and stylish.
In the dining room, a dining bench is a functional piece of furniture that creates a casual, cozy, and intimate dining experience while helping you save some space.
Reasons For Getting A Dining Bench
If you are hoping to convince yourself to get a dining bench seat, here are reasons why you may need one:
1. It Provides Additional Seating
Worried about extra seating space for guests? A dining bench can be a viable solution for accommodating them on the table without squeezing in additional chairs.
2. It Is Well-Suited For Families With Small Kids
If you are a big family with little kids, a dining bench can sit them comfortably without taking up much space for individual chairs. Even if you don’t have little kids, this setup is also helpful if your family members have small bodies.
3. It Is Suitable For Starting Families
New and starting families can use a dining bench that provides for additional seating in the future. A bench can also make an excellent adult-kid dining arrangement in one seat.
4. It Creates A Cozy And Casual Dining Room Setting
If you want a casual and laid-back dining atmosphere, a dining bench can help create this look and feel. You can also choose a dining bench for your patio, garden, or deck, where gatherings, snacks, and other fun things happen.
5. It Can Help Utilize Unused Spaces In Your Dining Area
Thinking about an awkward space by your window or corner in your room? A dining bench can be a perfect solution for utilizing unused spaces in your dining area. For example, you can use a dining bench in your bay window or alcove in your dining area.
6. It Is A Great Space-Saver
As long as you choose a dining bench with the correct dimensions, you can have real space-saving furniture. You can push your bench all the way under your table, which gives you a spacious area around the dining table when not in use. There are also built-in bench types, which are effective space-savers too.
7. It Makes Your Home Unique
If you want to create a unique home statement, get a dining bench. Most dining sets consist of a dining table and individual chairs. However, you can steer away from this setup and instead do a combination of a dining bench and individual chairs for a more unique look.
8. It Gives You Plenty Of Options
Variety is one of the benefits of getting a bench for your dining area. You will find many dining bench types made of different materials, dimensions, and styles to suit your needs. If you want to get more trendy, dining benches are also very easy to style with.
How To Choose A Dining Bench
If you decide to get a bench for your dining room, below are some tips that will help you choose the right furniture piece.
1. Pick The Correct Dimensions
To get the proper dimensions of a bench, measure your dining table first. Then, decide on the height and length of your bench. The usual height is between 18 to 20 inches or 46-51cm. The length would depend on whether you want your seat as long as your dining table or you want to tuck it under your table.
2. Choose The Appropriate Material
The material you choose for your bench will depend on factors like homestyle, comfort, and its users. For a traditional homestyle, for instance, a solid wood dining bench would look fitting. On the other hand, if you want more comfort, you can choose a cushioned, upholstered dining bench. Finally, if you have little children around, you can go for a leather-upholstered dining bench to make cleaning easier.
3. Decide On The Bench Type
Dining benches come in different types, including the ones compared below. Just go for the one that matches your needs, dining space, style, budget, and the look you want to achieve.
Bench with backrest vs. bench with no backrest
Banquet or built-in bench vs. detached bench
Full-length vs. tucked-in dining bench
Wooden vs. upholstered bench
A dining bench can combine both functionality and style. If you want a practical solution to a limited dining space, choosing a dining bench is sensible. As an added bonus, it can give your dining room a unique look and casual feel.
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