Published on: 07 April 2016
Last Updated on: 24 July 2024
with a car donation in New Jersey, one can turn the tables of life for many underprivileged children. It just needs a noble gesture to give up a used car.
It is one thing to grow up with a belief, and a different thing altogether to use that and follow the same in real life. That charity begins at home and we should help those in need are lessons that we receive in the very early stages of our life. And just as we grow old, we tend to forget all those lessons mainly because we either get too busy with our lives or we don’t come across too many opportunities to practice what we have been preached. But, think about this. Will you make the best of the opportunity if you got one in life? Will you be a part of a charity that can change the world of underprivileged children? And will you donate to a good cause if you could? If all the answers are in the affirmative, then there is an opportunity for you to explore. But there is a clause. You have to be the owner of a car. No, not necessarily a luxury vehicle or an SUV. It can just be anything. A station wagon, a hatchback, a Sedan- anything will do. This is because the donation that you will make will not be in cash. It will be a car donation in New Jersey to a non-profitable organization.
Why The Need To Own a Car?
You just got the answer. It will be a different kind of charity. You will be giving your vehicle up to a car donation foundation New Jersey that works for the betterment of helpless children. The organizations do not accept any monetary donations. What they ask instead is to give the cars up. Definitely, they won’t ask the vehicle owners to give up a car that works or which they do not plan to sell. But families in New Jersey do have more than one vehicle in the family and both usually are not always in the best of condition. So, if you are thinking of replacing the old car or just sell it away and utilize the money for a new car, then you need to sit back and think. You can always afford a new car, but if you do not sell the old car and donate it instead, then you will be doing a huge favor to many underprivileged children. Also, selling an old car will invite hassle which you will not want to take. Donating it will be easier and good deed always comes back to the doer. When you donate your car in New Jersey, be prepared to get some nice return too.
Is There Any Surprise For The Car Donor?
Charities usually do not bring back returns. That is why they are called donations and the donor should just give something with the intention of giving and not thinking that they will get back something in return. But, when you donate your car in New Jersey to organizations that work for the betterment of needy children and are recognized by the IRS, you are actually signing up for a little surprise reward. All donations that go to IRS recognized organizations make the vehicle donor eligible for tax deductions. They can rightfully claim the deductions and when the donation is finalized, they will get all the papers required to document the donation. The entire car donation process is hassle-free so there are no nasty surprises waiting for the donors at the end.
How Does The Car Donation in New Jersey Take Place?
The entire process of car donation is simple. Those who are interested to donate their car, can get in touch with the organizations directly either through the website and fill up the online form or they can also put across a call and talk to one of the representatives who are friendly and courteous enough to guide them. Once the decision is made to donate the car, they will fix up a date, time and place convenient to the donor and send over the tow truck to receive the donated vehicle. No payment is asked from the car donor for towing.
What Happens To My Donated Vehicle?
A cause of concern definitely for the car donor as to what purpose the donated vehicle has been put to. But don’t think too much. When a vehicle is donated to an IRS recognized organization, it goes to the right place. The car is auctioned off and the money that comes from it is used to fund various service programs for the benefit of the underprivileged children. With that money, these children can go to school, enjoy a hot meal or visit summer camps. They can practically do anything that they had only dreamt of doing their entire life.
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.
Animals might be cute, furry, and very pleasing to look at but they can seriously be destructive to your field, some of us may enjoy their company, others might want to kill them instantly! Either way, if you do not take care of who enters your garden, your plants may not thank you. Check out the rest of the article to understand what kind of animals can spoil your garden and how to restrict their movement.
Who are these animals?
Some of the most common garden animals include chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, mice, moles, rats, and opossums. To learn more about possums, click get rid of possum. These animals dig holes into the ground, eat your fruits and vegetables, multiply or lay eggs in your garden, and generally wreak havoc. Other larger animals include dogs, deer, birds, snakes, etc. Just having them run around the garden can cause large-scale destruction.
Ways to get rid of animals in your garden
There are several ways to control the entry of animals in your garden. Some are more effective than others. To learn more about these methods, read on.
1. Identify the creature :
The best way to control animals is to identify them first. This way you would know exactly how to deal with them by understanding their behavior and ways of living or multiplying. You can then target the animal with exactly the right technique that is needed to get rid of them. It is necessary to identify the animal to learn about its habitat, control them, and devise an effective solution.
2. Make your garden animal proof :
By making your garden attractive to animals, you will invite more pests into it. Therefore, certain methods need to be adopted to make sure that the animals stay away. One such method is to cut down on places that can house such animals, like tall grass, bushes, or a pile of leaves. Some animals can even crawl under your deck or porch.
Minimize any food sources, like birdbaths and seed booths, where animals like squirrels may come to feed. Moreover, you should cover your compost pile that attracts raccoons and fruit and vegetable patches with nets to avoid dogs, cats, deer, etc.
3. Fences, nets, and traps :
Fences are a great option to help minimize the entry of animals. For smaller animals, like rats, squirrels, rabbits, and more, small fences around your garden are enough. But for larger animals, like dogs and deer, larger and taller fences are required. Putting up taller fences can go a little heavy on your pocket, so securing plants is probably a better option.
Nets are a great way to prevent animals from actually feeding on your produce, like fruits and vegetables. Just adding a mesh or net around your patches can make a huge difference. Traps can be placed throughout the garden to catch animals with the help of baits. Use some food, like cheese, crackers, or biscuits, to lure animals into the trap, which then slams shut. Animals are also not harmed this way. It’s easy to catch possums, rats, squirrels, etc. with the help of traps.
4. Repellents :
Some animals can be repelled using auditory techniques, like certain sounds, and repellents that smell a certain way, thus driving or scaring away the animal out of your garden. Some examples of repellents are - predatory urine, garlic clips, and castor oil. But these repellants need to be applied and monitored on a regular basis to make sure they are effective. Some of these repellents, however, can be toxic to humans, so be careful, which repellents you choose.
Auditory repellents include motion-sensitive water sprayers, ultrasonic repellers, and visual scare devices, such as reflective tape. The only problem with these repellents is that pests may become immune to these methods, and therefore they may decrease in effectiveness over time. Make sure you read all the directions given on any repellants or products before using them.
5. Do on the spot management :
For example, when moles create boroughs in your garden, you can place mothballs in the holes to repel them. Moles don’t eat your garden produce but their tunnels can cause your plants to die since plants may not find space to grow underneath the ground with enough nutrients.
If certain animals have entered your garden, immediately introduce the predator species into your gardens, such as cats and dogs, to scare away the pests. Cats and dogs prey on animals, like mice and rats. In some cases, you can hand aluminum foils with strings in your garden. The shiny material can scare away the animals. Again, the effectiveness of this method may die with time.
Pests are destructive to your garden and should definitely be identified and eradicated. However, there’s no need to kill these animals in order to get rid of them. You can also use humane ways to get animals out of your garden. Use the methods given above in order to get rid of animals, including possums, from your garden. This will help you get a more secure and flourishing garden in no time!
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We all know, at least by intuition, that having our living spaces clean is important – and not just because of the visual appeal of it. Then, what are the main reasons why it’s so crucial for our lives? Sure, the look of a clean home, the convenience of finding things in their place, habits it helps us foster, and the sense of obligation – especially if you live with other people, all of them play their part. But, there’s something that really makes house cleaning vital: the link between it and our physical and mental well-being.
So, what aspects of health are we talking about here, and how exactly does keeping your home in shape make a difference? According to Hire A Maid and their team of seasoned experts in house cleaning, there are a few main health-related considerations that connect to the state of our living spaces. We’ll discuss them below, and then explain how to approach home maintenance with a focus on well-being.
What Are The Approaches Of Home Maintenance With A Focus On Well-Being
There are a lot of approaches to home maintenance with a focus on well-being. In this case these approaches are quite suitable and feasible in terms of keeping your health nice and up to the mark. Below I am going to discuss the approaches of home maintenance with a focus on well-being.
1) Germs & Contaminants
This one is pretty straightforward: cleaner space means fewer germs and other contaminants. Your goal shouldn’t be to live in a completely sterile bubble, it’s more the means to lower the chance of illness by keeping those pesky germs at bay, especially during flu season.
To that end, you should regularly wipe and disinfect surfaces throughout your home and give extra attention to the high-touch ones. It’s a tried and tested way to keep yourself and your family safe.
And don’t forget the kitchen and bathroom, where a combination of moisture and food particles creates ideal conditions for pathogens to thrive. To make sure all of these areas are regularly addressed, it’s best to craft a realistic cleaning routine – one that’s easy to stick to but still addresses all microbe-prone surfaces regularly.
2) Allergens & Air Quality
Allergies are a common issue, one that many people unfortunately have to deal with even in the safety of their own homes. Allergy symptoms may be somewhat unpredictable, but luckily, it’s possible to lessen their grip on your day-to-day life. It’s quite simple really: regular cleaning reduces the amount of allergens the same way it reduces the number of germs.
Dust is a common culprit for triggering reactions, along with dust mites. And even if you and your family members don’t suffer from allergies, dust and dust mites can irritate almost anyone.
To reduce the amount of irritant particles and improve the quality of air in your home, focus on dusting regularly and efficiently, use a high-quality vacuum, and tackle upholstery, carpets, and bedding whenever possible.
3) Order & Stress Levels
Aside from being an eyesore, clutter can crowd your mind as much as your space. The hassle of moving around through the mess, a decrease in productivity – these are just some of the ways in which clutter and neglected cleaning tasks can add to your stress levels.
Before you know it, it becomes a loop where the sight of the mess and the dread of having to address it feed into each other, making you feel increasingly overwhelmed.
Tackling clutter is about reclaiming peace as much as it’s about reclaiming your space. Start small – a drawer, a shelf, a corner, and work your way through the home. If possible, rely on others for help, whether it’s family members or hiring a cleaning professional. Once everything is in order, brainstorm ways to keep clutter from creeping back in.
The ripple effects of a clean home on our well-being are extensive. Improved sleep, heightened concentration, and a general sense of wellbeing are all byproducts of a space that breathes cleanliness and order. Furthermore, the discipline and habits cultivated through regular home maintenance can translate into other areas of life, promoting a lifestyle that values mindfulness, health, and balance.
What Are The Monthly Home Maintenance Checklists?
While this is about a monthly home maintenance checklist, preserving the property’s condition is essential. Below, I am going to discuss the monthly home maintenance checklists.
1) Cleaning HVAC Filters
While this is about adequately installed HVAC filters, this will help you breathe easily in your home. This further ensures that your cooling and heating systems will also work efficiently.
2) Test Smoke Alarms
Always ensure that smoke detectors are functional in the home. This is a key feature for early detection in handling several other safety hazards. On the other hand, you must replace such batteries every six months to keep consistent and reliable operations.
3) Clearing Drains and Sinks
Always ensure that you are regularly clearing sinks and drains. These will prevent the inconvenience and chaos of several other clogs.
4) Examining Electrical Cords
Always examine several electrical cords. In this case, you must inspect the cables for frayed wires, or else you will lose the connections, which would prevent the electrical hazard.
5) Lubricating Door Locks and Hinges
Always lubricate the door hinges and locks to prevent doors from further squeaking. This ensures the smoother operations of several other locks.
6) Cleaning Gutters And Downspouts
After regularly purging the blockages and water damage, you might get a flawless water service across the entire washroom.
7) Checking Plumbing For Leaks
Always ask the plumber to detect leaks as early as possible. This will save and prevent money along with extensive damage. Ensure you check the shower heads, plumbing, and faucets for such leaking to avoid headaches. It takes work to handle this kind of service, especially every season.
What Are The Four Types Of Maintenance Strategies That You Must Know?
Did you know that predictive maintenance is about rapidly gaining and sparked by several other advancements across the IIoT? Below, I will discuss four types of maintenance strategies you must know.
1) Reactive Maintenance
After all, reactive maintenance is quite simple as it can fix several other things they usually break. Since repairs still need to be planned. Ultimately, this is a suitable method in which you can employ equipment that is optional for operations. Or else this has a low cost.
2) Preventive Maintenance
Another one of the most suitable approaches, which entails periodically pausing the operation of assets, is preventive maintenance. One of the main objectives of this maintenance is to enhance the lifespan of assets.
3) Reliability Centered Maintenance
After all, reliability-centered reliability-centered maintenance acknowledges equipment failure, which is not always unpredictable. This delves deep in terms of analyzing each equipment’s potential failure patterns. This is also applicable to craft a tailored maintenance plan.
4) Predictive Maintenance
Did you know that predictive maintenance is a vibration of analyzing a sensor that might warn of an impending malfunction? This prompts inspection, and this would also be feasible for timely repair.
In Conclusion
It’s clear that the benefits of regular home maintenance go beyond the surface. Fighting off germs, clearing the air from allergens, reducing stress levels – the impact on well-being is undeniable. It’s all about including mindful cleaning habits into your life, for the sake of your and your family’s well-being. So, embrace these tasks, rely on a routine, don’t hesitate to ask for help tackling them, and enjoy a living space in which you can thrive.
I hope you liked this article!
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Sunflowers are not only beautiful and cheerful, but they also produce delicious and nutritious seeds that you can enjoy as a snack or use in various recipes. Harvesting sunflower seeds is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your whole family. It is also a great way to teach your kids about nature, gardening, and healthy eating.
In this article, I will show you how to harvest sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your sunflower harvest. If you enjoyed reading my blog on harvesting lettuce, you will enjoy reading this one!
So, if that is what you are interested in knowing, I have you covered! Keep reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Grow Sunflower Seeds: A Simple and Rewarding Gardening Project?
Sunflowers are one of the most iconic and cheerful flowers in the world. They are also one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow from seeds.
Sunflowers can brighten up your garden, attract pollinators, provide shade, and produce edible seeds that you can harvest and enjoy.
In this part of the article, I will show you how to grow sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your sunflower growing experience.
How to Choose Sunflower Seeds?
The first step to growing sunflower seeds is to choose the right seeds for your garden. Sunflowers come in a wide range of sizes, colors, shapes, and types. Some of the most common types of sunflowers are:
Giant sunflowers
These are the tallest and largest sunflowers, reaching up to 15 feet in height and 12 inches in diameter. They produce huge and heavy flower heads that are filled with large and plump seeds. They are ideal for creating a dramatic and impressive display in your garden, as well as for harvesting large quantities of seeds. Some examples of giant sunflowers are Mammoth, Titan, and Kong.
Dwarf sunflowers
These are the smallest and shortest sunflowers, growing up to 3 feet in height and 6 inches in diameter. They produce smaller and lighter flower heads that are easier to manage and maintain. They are ideal for growing in containers, pots, or small spaces, as well as for adding a splash of color and charm to your garden. Some examples of dwarf sunflowers are Teddy Bear, Sunny Smile, and Little Becka.
Colored sunflowers
These are the most diverse and colorful sunflowers, ranging from yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, brown, and even green. They produce medium-sized flower heads that are attractive and eye-catching. They are ideal for creating a vibrant and varied display in your garden, as well as for cutting and arranging in bouquets or vases. Some examples of colored sunflowers are Autumn Beauty, Moulin Rouge, and Lemon Queen.
Things to Consider While Choosing Sunflower Seed
When choosing sunflower seeds, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. For instance, you should also consider the following factors:
Climate and season of your area
Sunflowers are warm-season plants that need full sun and warm temperatures to grow and bloom. They are best planted in late spring or early summer, after the last frost, when the soil is warm and moist. If you live in a cold or frost-prone area, you can start your seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors when the weather is favorable.
Soil and water conditions of your garden
Sunflowers are adaptable and tolerant plants that can grow in most types of soil, as long as they are well-drained and fertile. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They also need regular watering, especially during the germination and flowering stages. However, they can withstand some drought and dryness once they are established.
Space and support available in your garden
Sunflowers are large and sturdy plants that need ample space and support to grow and thrive. They should be planted at least 2 to 3 feet apart from each other and from other plants, to avoid overcrowding and competition. They should also be staked or tied to a fence, a trellis, or a pole, to prevent them from bending or breaking under their own weight.
How to Plant Sunflower Seeds?
Once you have chosen your sunflower seeds, you can proceed to the next step. Planting sunflower seeds is a simple process that involves preparing, sowing, and caring for the seeds. Here is how to do it:
Prepare the Soil
Prepare the soil by loosening it with a fork or a spade. Ensure that you remove debris, weeds, or rocks. You can also enrich your soil by adding some compost, manure, or fertilizer, to boost its fertility and drainage. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy, and has a temperature of at least 50°F.
Sow the Seeds
Sow the seeds by making holes or furrows in the soil, about 1 to 2 inches deep and 2 to 3 feet apart. You can use a ruler, a stick, or your finger to make the holes or furrows. Drop one or two seeds in each hole or furrow, and cover them lightly with soil. You can also sprinkle some water over the seeds to help them settle in the soil.
Nurture
Care for the seeds by watering them regularly, but not excessively, to keep the soil moist but not wet. You can also mulch the soil with straw, grass clippings, or leaves, to retain moisture and prevent weeds. You should also protect the seeds from birds, squirrels, or other animals, by covering them with a net, a cage, or a cloche. You should also thin the seedlings when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall, by removing the weaker or smaller ones, and leaving only the strongest and healthiest ones.
How to Grow Sunflower Seeds?
After planting your sunflower seeds, you can watch them grow and enjoy their beauty and bounty. Growing sunflower seeds is a rewarding and satisfying experience that requires minimal maintenance and care. Here are some tips and tricks to grow sunflower seeds successfully:
Water
Water your sunflowers regularly, but not excessively, to keep the soil moist but not wet. Sunflowers need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather and the soil conditions. You can use a hose, a sprinkler, or a drip irrigation system to water your sunflowers. You should water them in the morning or evening, and avoid wetting the leaves or the flower heads, to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your sunflowers occasionally, but not excessively, to boost their growth and flowering. Sunflowers need a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20 formula. You can apply the fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, following the instructions on the label. You should avoid over-fertilizing your sunflowers, as this can cause them to grow too tall and weak, and make them prone to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Prune your sunflowers occasionally, but not excessively, to improve their shape and health. Sunflowers do not need much pruning, as they are naturally self-pruning and self-cleaning. However, you can prune them to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, stems, or flowers, to prevent infection and improve air circulation. You can also prune them to control their height and spread, by pinching or cutting off the tips of the main stem or the side branches.
You should use clean and sharp scissors or pruners to prune your sunflowers and do it in the morning or evening when the plants are less stressed.
When to Harvest Sunflower Seeds?
The first step to harvesting sunflower seeds is to know when they are ready. Sunflowers typically bloom in the summer and their seeds mature in late summer or early fall. You can tell when your sunflowers are ready to harvest by looking at their appearance and feel. Here are some signs that your sunflowers are ready to harvest:
Petals have fallen off or turned brown.
The back of the flower head has turned yellow or brown.
Seeds have developed black and white stripes.
The seeds are plump and firm to the touch.
If you are not sure if your sunflowers are ready to harvest, you can do a simple test by rubbing your thumb over the seeds. If they come off easily, they are ready to harvest. If they are still attached to the flower head, they need more time to ripen.
How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds?
Once you have determined that your sunflowers are ready to harvest, you can proceed to the next step. Harvesting sunflower seeds is a simple process that involves cutting, drying, and storing the seeds. Here is how to do it:
Cut the flower heads from the stems using a sharp knife or scissors. Leave about 12 inches of stem attached to the flower head for easier handling.
Place the flower heads in a dry and well-ventilated area, such as a garage, shed, or porch. You can hang them upside down or lay them flat on a screen or rack. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent mold and rot.
Let the flower heads dry for about two weeks or until the seeds are completely dry and hard. You can check the dryness by biting or cracking a seed. If it is crunchy and not moist, it is dry enough.
Remove the seeds from the flower heads by rubbing them gently with your hands or a soft brush. You can also use a fork or a spoon to scrape them off. Discard any debris, such as petals, leaves, or insects.
Store the seeds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, a plastic bag, or a metal tin. Label the container with the date and the variety of sunflower. Keep the container in a cool and dark place, such as a pantry, a cupboard, or a basement.
How to Enjoy Sunflower Seeds?
Now that you have harvested your sunflower seeds, you can enjoy them in various ways. You can eat them raw or roasted, salted or unsalted, shelled or unshelled. You can also use them in salads, soups, breads, muffins, granola, trail mix, pesto, butter, and more.
Sunflower seeds are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help manage high cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation and boost your immune system, brain function, and mood. Here are some tips and tricks to enjoy your sunflower seeds:
Roast
To roast your sunflower seeds, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp. You can season them with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, or any other spices you like.
Shell
To shell your sunflower seeds, you can use your teeth, your fingers, or a nutcracker. You can also soak them in water for a few hours to make them easier to shell. To remove the shells, you can blow them away with a fan, a hair dryer, or your mouth, or you can shake them in a colander or a sieve.
Sunflower Seed Butter
To make sunflower seed butter, you need to blend the shelled and roasted sunflower seeds in a blender until it turns smooth and creamy. You can add a little oil, honey, salt, or vanilla to enhance the flavor and texture. You can use sunflower seed butter as a spread for toast, crackers, or fruit, or as a dip for pretzels, celery, or carrots.
Pesto
To make sunflower seed pesto, blend roasted and shelled sunflower seeds with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or a blender until smooth and thick. You can use sunflower seed pesto as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or sandwiches, or as a dressing for salads or roasted vegetables.
Wrapping It Up!
Harvesting sunflower seeds is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your whole family. It is also a great way to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature, as well as the health benefits of sunflower seeds. By following the steps and tips in this article, you know how to harvest sunflower seeds in a few simple steps, as well as enjoy them in various ways. I hope you found this article helpful and informative.
If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that yo need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be ether to answer them all for you!
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