Published on: 16 March 2016
Last Updated on: 04 September 2024
When it comes to bi-fold doors, a lot of people prefer using their own handyman skills instead of hiring one. The thing is that though you can easily fix up a problem like adjusting the height or making the door a bit less creaky using your skills, it is not really possible for everyone to actually install the entire door themselves. In this reference, you should remember that though you actually try to save up a bit on the cost of the door, you purposely cause yourself more harm because if the door is not set right, it might just crash causing injuries and damage.
Remember that an average price of the bi-fold doors can be in between $50 to $150. And if you actually hire someone for this purpose, you can pay a similar amount for the installation. So, it is tempting to implement the entire process yourself. But the problem is that if you go wrong here, then it could just cause more damage than good.
It is really not that hard because these bi-fold doors just need a tiny bit of patience. Doing so can help you get the benefit of installing the entire door yourself, with minimal supervision. You should remember that, if there is any remote chance that your handyman skills are not that good, you should hire an expert. Here’s a few aspects to evaluate-
One of the first things you should do here is understand where you need a new door. In most cases where you have bi-fold doors that have been around for years, a bit of adjustment and fitting tricks tend to do the job. You can try lubricating the door using some oil or simply get ahead with the adjustment using some of the tips that are mentioned at the end of this article.
But there is a long list of things that can go wrong in this reference. One of the major problems that individuals face here is the door or the fitting not opening the right way. It is vital that the height along with the width be measured accurately, so that when you adjust these bi-fold doors, your setting is just right.
Another aspect is that you can try tipping panels. The first step is to consider the size of the door and ensure that you cover all the steps of taking down the door correctly. Any mistakes here, then you have trouble setting them back again. You should also ensure that the alignment and fastening is done properly so that in post repairs, there is no risk in using these bi-fold doors. Also, the hardware needed for this process should be kept alongside because a little lapse here means you are holding the door with no screwdrivers to put things back in place.
Adjusting the doors
When you adjust the bi-fold doors, ensure that you first loosen the screw that sits on the top of the bracket and then slide the same slightly. This should be done along with tracks to leave enough room between the top and your door. Then again tighten the screw and close the door to check.
For the floor bracket, you have to shift the pins on either door bottoms. In one case you have to loosen a screw that slides the bracket in and out.
To adjust the height, you have to just screw the bottom pin using a wrench and pliers. This can be done without taking off the door too.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
No matter how you want to redecorate your room, making a big statement in a small bedroom room is what you will find this post. And of course this article includes some ideas which can have an enormous effect and all the difference you would like to have in your bedroom by small changes. Despite the fact that it might appear to be anything but difficult to top off a little space with a negligible measure of furniture; yet, it is an fatiguing task for when one plans on putting forth a style expression. So, let’s see how it can be done.
Idea # 1: A Nice Looking Bed Set
Buying a nice bed set is never difficult and it’s so easy to change the look of your bed room with bright bed sheet, bed covers and pillows. It’s nothing like you need a big financial plan for it. Nice theme of a bed set can smoothly give your room an engaging look. You can try some hardwood bed set to make a statement in your room as well. Hardwood being utilized may turn out to be generally on an expensive side considering the two its sheer toughness and additionally high feel. However, it is justified regardless of each penny spent.
Idea #2: Buy Some Gorgeous Looking Wallpaper
A darker shade of wallpaper on one wall gives the room a bigger and better look. You can choose wall paper designs according to the overall theme of your room. You can use printed wall paper on one wall and keep the other walls plane.
Idea #3: Have a Nice Bookshelf
No room can turn out badly with a bookshelf joined inside. It isn't important to have a big book shelf in your room but including a small bookshelf inside will look great and noticeable. For rooms with a smaller size beautiful bookshelves can be fixed with traditional hardwood boards upon the divider.
In a few cases, where the bed may comprise of a nice headboard, the book shelf can be made near the bed for best use of free space. Close by conventional sweet-smelling candles.
Idea # 4: Get a Full Length or Big Sized Mirror
Keep a full-sized mirror upon a whole divider or your preferred space. It is the most generally used secret and in addition the most seasoned trend to not just influencing the space to appear more outwardly engaging but also influencing the space to seem bigger than it at first is.
The impression of the room itself makes the ideal fantasy and also get intensifies, mirrors are best for adding more space to the premises of the little room.
Idea #5: Lights/Chandeliers
Lights, especially traditional chandeliers or side table lamps can change the look of your room. Lights help in making a comfortable atmosphere in your room. Mostly the essential lights may appear to be excessively cruel or too brilliant; some additional small lights like fairy lights, lamps or light chandeliers can really give your room a subtle look.
Hanging up light fixtures of little to medium sizes upon the divider can help with better use of divider spaces. And additionally make a more traditional appeal in your room.
It's not the size of your room you claim which matters. It is the manner by which you design it and also how you use free space in an imaginative way, which helps influence a room to appear sufficiently lavish.
I hope you liked reading these bedroom decorating ideas. If you have some interesting tips to add, do let us know in comment section.
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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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Keeping your clean bathroom reduces the likelihood of bugs living in there and spreading between members of your family and visitors. Of course, it can be difficult to stay on top of the cleaning when you’re already working, looking after children, and completing a host of other activities. However, by learning a few tricks from hotel housekeeping you’ll be able to keep the bathroom at home, or in the hotel clean in a fraction of the time.
1. Use The Right Products
Companies spend thousands of developing products for specific areas of your bathroom. To make your cleaning as easy as possible you should purchase a selection of the best products from a reputable supplier of hygiene services.
It’s also a good idea to use the right appliances. The finish of your toilet can make a huge difference to how easy it is to keep clean.
It is also important to read the product instructions. They will all say how long they should be left in situ to work effectively, make sure you leave enough time for each product to work. This will help to ensure all the bacteria are removed from the bathroom.
2. Open The Window
Opening the window allows fresh air into the room, this will help to remove any unwanted smells and give you more natural light. Natural light and the interior lights can work nicely together to ensure you clean every surface properly, you’ll be able to identify dirty spots more easily if you have plenty of light.
3. Empty The Room
The idea is to empty the room, giving you a blank slate. This is the approach most hotels adopt and it works! Simply take all the towels, bathmats, washing products and anything else you can find, place them outside your bathroom. You don’t want to throw them away every time you clean the bathroom!
You will then be able to wipe all the surfaces thoroughly which will prevent you from missing spots and actually make your cleaning job much easier.
Don’t forget, wiping around products will leave ring marks that can be very hard to remove in the future.
4. Sweep Before Mopping
Sweeping is generally preferably to vacuuming but it is acceptable to choose either method. However, you should do one or the other before you mop the floor. If you don’t the process of mopping will simply be moving debris and bacteria around the floor.
Sweeping first removes the dirt, allowing you to mop with a disinfectant spray and leave the floor properly clean. You could eat your dinner off it!
5. Use A Toothbrush
There are plenty of nooks and crannies in a bathroom and the best too for cleaning them is actually a toothbrush. Ideally, this should be one you reserve for cleaning, not your other half’s toothbrush.
Toothbrushes allow you to clean the screws around the toilets and close to the taps on the sink, just make sure the toothbrush is cleaned between uses to ensure you’re not simply transferring bacteria from one place to another.
As a final tip, you should keep all your cleaning products together in a box or cart, this will ensure you have everything you need to hand.
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