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Want to learn how to grow okra at home?

Growing okra is easy; take it from a gardening expert like me. I've helped tons of plant enthusiasts with my wide collection of how-to guides and planting tips and tricks, so you're in expert hands. I'll teach you the best practices in growing food at home, including when to harvest okra and how to ensure a fruitful harvest every time.

Ready to grow your food? Let's begin.

Contents

How To Grow Okra at Home

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Before we dive into the steps on how to grow okra, let's briefly discuss the plant. Okra, also known as ladies' fingers, is a delicious vegetable enjoyed by people all over the world.  Originating from Western Africa and South East Asia, this delectable vegetable is a staple at the dining table for many cultures far and wide.

The okra fruit is known to have a sticky, juicy texture when cooked. Okra is incredibly versatile and an incredible source of folate, vitamins, and minerals. You can serve it boiled, steamed, fried, baked, or in a warm soup.

A great thing about okra is that it’s very easy to grow. Whether you’re in an urban or rural community, you can enjoy your very own harvest within one to two months with the right steps and care.

Now, let's head onto the steps to growing your okra plant at home.

Tip #1: Prepare the things you need

via: Pexels / Karolina Grabowska

When growing your okra, you won’t need a ton of materials. You might already have what you need in your home. To raise an okra plant, you’ll need:

1. Okra seeds

Getting your hands on okra seeds is easy. They’re available in plenty of farming stores. And if you have store-bought okra, set one piece aside and leave it to dry. This single finger of okra can give you around 20+ seeds.

2. Water

Like most food-bearing plants, okras are not fussy regarding water. You can even use rainwater to keep your plants hydrated. Creating a rainwater collecting system can be as easy as placing a tub, a tank, or a drum as a reservoir for water under your roof gutter pipe.

3. Soil

Ideally, your soil mix should be well-draining and airy. This mix allows more nutrients to enter the roots without the risk of root rots. At a pinch, a combination of garden soil, sand, vermiculite, or coco coir at a 2:1:1 ratio is a good mix to start with.

4. Compost

Topping or mixing compost into your well-draining soil mix is a great way to add more essential nutrients (potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus) to help fertilize your plant. You can either make a DIY compost by storing your food scraps in a container and adding soil at every layer.

In a few months, your compost will be ready and highly beneficial. Otherwise, you can also get store-bought compost at your local gardens.

5. A pot with several drainage holes (ideal for urban gardeners)

You always have options depending on where you want to plant your okra. Okra plants can grow up to 6 feet tall in some cases, so you really have to consider the vessel in which you plant it.

If you have space in your backyard or front yard, you can directly sow okra seedlings onto the ground. However, you can use pots or containers with several drainage holes if you live in an area with little to no space.

6. Fertilizer

For any homegrown food-bearing plant, fertilizing is a crucial step to ensure bountiful yield every fruiting season. Similar to compost, you are free to buy from your local garden or make your DIY balanced fertilizer.

You can make some with crushed dry eggshells or create a potassium-rich blend with some banana peels infused water. Generally, 2 to 3 weeks is enough to make a fermented "juice" fertilizer.

Tip #2: Germinating the Seeds

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Grab a pot and fill it with soil. If you don’t have any pots at home, you can recycle water gallons or even milk cartons and boxes lined with trash bags with holes as your makeshift pots.

Push your finger on the soil at about 1 to 1.5 cm. Place the okra seed in the hole and cover it with soil and water. When germinating the plant seed, make sure to place the okra indoors in a shaded area.

Tip #3: Caring for the Baby Okra

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After 3 to 5 days, you’ll see some growth. During this time, you can place the seedling in a sunny area. Your baby plant needs a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight for it to grow healthy.

Also, make sure that each plant has ample space between each other. It allows the leaves to get more sunlight and prevents pests from affecting all pots.

Tip #4: Encouraging Fruits

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The key to getting more okra blooms and fruits is pruning. Many novice gardeners are scared to take off leaves from their plants. However, taking off a couple of leaves from your okra plant every week allows it to focus its energy on bearing more fruits.

You can also add fertilizer to your okra plants. Spraying the leaves with a fish amino-based fertilizer once a week is highly beneficial. However, you can substitute it with a fermented fruit fertilizer.

Tip #5: Dealing with Pests

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Another way to encourage more fruits is by ensuring that your okra plot is pest-free. Getting rid of ants, flea beetles, and other common pests from your okras is simple.

All you need is a spray bottle filled with water-diluted dishwashing liquid. It's also worth noting that some beneficial insects such as bees can help your plant produce more fruits.

Tip #6: Harvesting Okra

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The key to knowing whether the fruits are ready for harvesting is measuring them. Okra fingers that measure between 4 to 5 inches are usually good for harvest.

In some cases, your okra plant might bear larger and longer fruits; you might have to do a snap test. Simply snap the top part of the okra with your thumb. If the tip snaps off of the fruit, then it’s just the right time to harvest. But if it bends or doesn’t snap, the fruit might be too hard for consumption.

via: The Golden

Dos and Don'ts of Growing Okras

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Now that you know the preparations necessary to grow your okra plant at home and the steps from germinating the seeds to harvesting the fruits, it's time to talk about the dos and don'ts of raising okra.

Dos:

• Do prune your okra from time to time. Snipping off some leaves will encourage more yield since the nutrients from the root will go directly to the okra flower and fruits of the plant.
• Do fertilize in the early mornings or evenings. Fertilizing your plants should be done during the morning or evening when it's not too windy, and the sun isn't too bright. This way, the nutrients will evenly disperse into the soil.
• Do keep the soil moist. Any fruit-bearing plant needs water to produce more fruits. Okra is one of the plants that require routine watering to help it absorb nutrients from the soil better.
• Do harvest as soon as the fruit is ready. Okras produce fruits very quickly. In fact, you might need to harvest a few times a week.
• Do save seeds for the next season. To ensure that your harvest remains at the same rate, planning ahead and germinating new batches of seeds is important. Harvest pods and keep the seed pod in a dry place.

Don'ts:

• Don't immediately plant seeds without preparing them. If you're planning to germinate seeds for future planting, make sure that you let the okra pods dry. This helps the outer cover of the okra pod to peel and the baby plant to sprout faster. To summarize, a dry seed has more chances to grow than fresh seed.
• Don't plant your okra too close together. Okra plants can grow really big, so you have to make sure that they have enough space to grow. Unless you've planted them in separate containers, make sure to space the plants about a foot between each other.
• Don't overfertilize the soil. Excessive fertilization can do more harm than good to any plant. So only fertilize your soil once a week at most.
• Don't let the okra fruit grow too large. Again, letting your okra fruit grow bigger makes it impossible to eat. It makes the fruit too tough.
• Don't be afraid to cut your okra plant short. Pruning is crucial when you want to encourage your plant to grow more fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Have more questions about planting okra at home? I'll answer the most asked ones here.

Can okra grow in pots?

Okras are resilient plants; they can grow pretty much anywhere with enough sunlight. That said, they, as well as other companion plants, can easily grow in pots (peat pots or other containers). So if you don't have any room in your front or backyard to plant, you can easily switch to using pots to create your sustainable home garden.

What is the best month to plant okra?

As a plant that mainly thrives in the sunlight, okras are ideally planted around springtime. Any okra variety can grow quickly and be ready to bear out flowers and fruits in about a couple of months after planting.

How many okra plants do I need?

That depends on your needs. A single okra plant can produce several fruits in one week, which may require you to harvest regularly. If you and your family love okra, you may plant as much as you want as long as you can care for them.

Do okra plants come back every year?

Generally, okras are planted annually and have summer as their main growing season. These summer-heat-loving plants need warm weather, soil temperature, air, and sunlight to grow and bear fruits. So they'll most likely not thrive during the colder months.

More Helpful Articles to Read

Want more resources to fulfill your homesteading and vegetable garden dreams? Here are some helpful reads I want to share with you to help you become a master gardener:

1. Learn how to plant succulents and properly care for them here.
2. Want to know how to grow an avocado tree? Find out how from this helpful guide.
3.  Create your own prickly paradise by growing cactus in your home. Discover how to propagate cactus here.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to grow okra at home, it's time that you put your newfound knowledge to the test.

Remember, there are no wrong answers when it comes to caring for your plants.

You only need to have patience and be willing to do the hard work. Soon enough, you'll be rewarded with the fruits of your labor.

The post 5 Amazing Tips on How to Grow Okra: Best Advice to Grow Them Right appeared first on The Golden.

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In this post, I'll share useful and practical toy storage ideas for your little ones. Nothing might be more annoying than seeing your kids' toys scattered all over the room.

These toy storage ideas for small spaces are all you need if you are looking for playroom ideas. As an expert DIY-er and master interior designer, I also created useful articles, some of them featured in The Spruce and My Maid. 

Let's help you clean up your kid's playroom mess without further ado.

Contents

Why It's Important To Have A Proper Storage For Your Kids' Toys?

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Proper storage keeps your kids' toys last longer, keeps the play area clean, and prevents untoward accidents and injuries. Likewise, it gives kids easier access to their toys and avoids the stress of finding missing items. Keeping toys away after playing with them is a good habit you can teach your kids while they're still young.

How to Store Your Kid's Toys Properly

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Organizing your kids' toys is one of the most challenging parts of parenthood. You often deal with their toys, if not constantly nagging them to clean up their mess. Thankfully, there are ways to organize your children's toys and keep your sanity intact.

Step #1: Keep only a few toys.

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Kids tend to be too overwhelmed with so many toys around them that they often only play with a few. Make sure to keep only a few toys they play with – whether a few stuffed toys, a few Barbie dolls, a few puzzles, etc. Store or donate toys they don't play with anymore.

Step #2: Invest in a toy storage system.

via: Pexels / Tatiana Syrikova

A low shelf can be a game-changer in organizing your kids' toys. You can add lidless baskets or bins that can be stored in and on top of the shelves. Tilted containers are also available so kids can easily see what's inside and keep toys off the floor.

Step #3: Group the same toys in one location.

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Put all kitchen toys in one container, toy cars, trucks in another bin, puzzle toys in one basket, etc. Put labels on each container so your children can easily find the toys they want to play with.

Step #4: Try hanging storage.

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Use the back of your door or walls to put hanging storage or a hammock for your kids' toys. Better if you can find clear ones so they can easily see the toys inside. Good toy storage should not take up too much room space and keep your kids' toys tidy.

8 Toy Storage Ideas: Home Items You Can Use to Store Toys

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Storing your kids' toys can be challenging, especially if you only have limited space. This doesn't mean you will prohibit your kids from playing with their toys to avoid a mess.

The good news is you can still let your kids play to their hearts' content while keeping your limited play space organized and mess-free through these DIY toy storage ideas for small ideas. 

1. Ottomans or couches that open up

via: Unsplash / Edgar Moran

These storage spaces can be used for your children's toys and other home items that need a permanent "residence." Ottomans and multi-purpose couches have recently become popular hidden toy storage ideas for the practical and aesthetic benefits it provides. You can store things and sit on them with style. How cool is that?

2. Woven baskets

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You can also store your kid's toys on woven baskets and put them on a kid-friendly shelf. It gives your children easier access to toys and stores them easily later on.

3. Shoe Racks

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Shoe racks are not only for... well, shoes -- but also for toy storage. There are different shoe rack designs and colors to choose from that will be suitable for the playroom theme and your child's preference and safety.

4. Bookcase

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You can store books and toys by buying a bookcase. It helps save on space and keep your play area neat and injury-proof. It also lets kids freely access their toys anytime they want.

5. Wooden Crates

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Similar to woven baskets, wooden crates also make good toy storage containers. It also comes in different sizes and designs for your toy storage needs. Don't forget to label the crates.

via: Golden

6. Hanging Laundry Mesh

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This is also a good storage idea to have more space in the play area and keep your kids' toys well-organized. You can choose different colors to segregate the toys according to usage, size, etc.

7. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

via: Pexels / Curtis Adams

Another way to organize toys is by using an over-the-door shoe organizer. These often come with transparent pouches that kids can easily see through when they want to play with a certain toy.

8. Hanging Beach Bags

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If your child doesn't have too many toys, hanging beach bags are also a good toy storage idea. It also comes in different colors that your kids will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Parenthood has various challenges, including teaching kids good manners and simple chores at home. Teaching your children to put their toys back into their containers is a good start to raising well-rounded kids. Meanwhile, here are other FAQs about toy organizing:

Are there toys that would be dangerous for my kids?

Parents should avoid buying small toys, and parts for infants and children as these could cause choking if they accidentally put them into their mouths. Other toys that could be dangerous and can cause injuries, especially to small kids, are:

• Trampoline
• Balloons (as the string could accidentally wrap around their necks)
• Toy guns
• Pull toys
• Marbles/coins/small balls

How can I make my kids remember always to put away their toys?

Keep chores, such as putting toys back into place, fun as much as possible. Some ways you can make your kids remember to put their toys away after playing are the following:

• Make clean-up time your bonding/play time with your kids.
• Create challenge games (ex. "If you put away your toys before I am done washing the dishes, you get a prize from me")
• Explain why cleaning up is a must. (ex. "You need to clean up so that you won't trip or hurt yourself or lose a piece of toy.")
• Create kid-friendly toy storage areas.
• Don't expect your kids to clean up perfectly. As long as they made an effort to clean up, they deserve praise from you.

How many toys should a kid have?

Experts say kids should have no more than 15 toys to play with. Fewer toys mean the longer they will play with them and the more they can be creative with them.

Would my kid enjoy building a toy organizer with me?

Yes, you can make building toy organizers fun and meaningful. It is also a good way to bond with your child and teach them responsibility at a young age.

More Interesting Articles To Explore

You don't need to buy expensive storage for your kid's toys. Simple crates and containers are enough to organize them and help your child learn to pack away their toys by themselves and to keep their room tidy.

Meanwhile, here are other interesting related articles you can check out for your next home improvement project: 

1. This list of minimalist furniture can make a huge difference to your home living.
2. Whether you're looking for a place to relax after a tiring day or want to make your living room aesthetic, these living room ideas offer inspiration to make your home look and feel more welcoming.
3. Here is a list of inspirations if you want family room furniture to add to your dream home.
4. If you like traditional home decor, check out the article.

Conclusion

The abovementioned toy storage ideas will help parents and kids keep their things neat. There's nothing more annoying than seeing your kids' toys scattered all over the room after putting them back in their containers just minutes ago. It is also a good bonding moment for families while teaching children to be responsible at a young age.

The post 8 Practical Toy Storage Ideas: Ways To Make It Fun & Keep it Organized! appeared first on The Golden.

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In this post, we will discover the different types of light bulbs. It's good to know there are different bulb types to choose from.

That is why I am here to guide you if you are looking for the right types of lights for your home. DIY and home improvement are my favorite things, with some of my articles published on popular home improvement websites such as The Spruce and My Maid.

Let's get started and learn about different bulbs for your lighting needs.

Contents

5 Different Types of Light Bulbs You Need To Know

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There are different types of light bulbs you can choose from. The last thing you want to happen is to buy the wrong bulbs for your home lighting needs and waste your time and money.

1. Incandescent

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It was once the industry standard, but most are already phased out except specialty incandescent light bulbs such as chandelier bulbs. It usually lasts a year on average, doesn't contain mercury, and is often used with a dimmer switch.

2. Fluorescent/CFL

via: Unsplash / MJH Shikder

A CFL light bulb often comes in a long tube or U-shaped form and won't work without a ballast. Unlike an incandescent light bulb, a fluorescent light/CFL bulb uses less energy, produces less heat, and is ideal for hallways, offices, kitchens, and other large spaces.

3. Halogen

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A halogen bulb is similar to a traditional incandescent bulb, but with less energy consumption. Halogen bulbs last a year on average and don't contain mercury as well.

4. High-Intensity Discharge (HID)

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HID bulbs are often used in warehouses, streetlights, commercial buildings, and other large spaces. It also contains mercury vapor or sodium and doesn't contain filaments.

5. LED

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Unlike incandescent light, LED lights produce up to 90% light without heat, short for a light-emitting diode. LED lighting is often marketed as an eco-friendly lighting option.

via: TheGolden

5 Factors To Consider When Choosing the Right Bulb For Your Home

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Choosing the right light bulb type for your home can be overwhelming. Instead of buying a light fixture that looks nice in your room, it also helps determine the right bulb that fits your fixture best.

Consideration #1: Brightness (in lumens)

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Lumens measure the light bulb's brightness. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light the bulb gives. For example, a 100-watt light bulb produces around 1600 lumens. The bulb brightness depends on where you are going to install the lighting fixture.

Consideration #2: Light appearance (warm white or yellow vs. cool blue ranges)

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Also known as color temperature, light bulbs usually give yellowish, white, or bluish tinges. Bulbs with yellowish light sources produce "warm" light best for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. White light is brighter and recommended for entryways and bathrooms. Lastly, bluish-white light has a "cooler" and is great for security and task lighting.

Consideration #3: Energy used (in watts)

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The unit of measure for the amount of energy used to light a bulb is called watts. Incandescent lights are still being used these days. However, more households and organizations have become more environmental-conscious and prefer to use energy-efficient bulbs instead.

Consideration #4: Estimated annual energy cost (depends on rates and usage)

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Energy-efficient bulbs are now available in the market. It lasts longer than traditional incandescent lights and helps lessen your home's carbon footprint. Using energy-efficient light bulbs can be left on for long hours but can still last for many years without replacement.

Consideration #5: Type of Lightning Needed

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There's also ambient, task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting offers overall lighting for rooms. Chandeliers and ceiling fans often use ambient lighting. Task lighting is needed to provide direct light for specific tasks.

Vanity tables and desk lamps use task lighting. Lastly, accent lighting highlights useful features in your home, such as your wall gallery. Wall sconces and track lighting are some examples of accent light fixtures.

Frequently Asked Questions

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You already have an idea about the different light bulb types to choose from according to your lighting needs. However, there might still be questions in mind that need answers. Below are some of the most commonly-asked questions about light bulbs and the important answers that will put your mind at peace.

What happens if I use the wrong bulb?

According to experts, using a light bulb with excessive wattage could cause overheating. It can melt the wire insulation and light sockets, which could cause fire accidents.

How do you know if the light bulb is compatible?

First, you have to choose a light bulb with a watt amount less than or equal to the maximum wattage on your lighting fixture. Never put a high-wattage bulb in a low-watt fixture, as it can cause accidental fires. Choosing the right light bulb shape and size is a matter of preference, but some bulbs only fit on specific fixtures, so you should take note of that as well.

Which color of light bulb is best for sleep?

There are many relaxing bedroom ideas for a good sleep. This also includes choosing the right color of visible light to help you sleep. Interior design experts recommend using warm light in your bedroom, preferably those with red or yellow tinges. Never use blue light in your bedroom as it can disrupt melatonin production, which could affect your sleep.

Which light is good for your eyes?

Warm light is best for the eyes, produced by LED and incandescent lamps, and comes from natural light. Yellow light is effective in protecting the retinas from UV and excessive blue light.

More Interesting Articles To Explore

Choosing the right light bulb will make a difference in achieving a comfortable and pleasant home life. These related articles can also help in maintaining your home in general.

1. Perfect the look of your garden by using the best weed wacker around. A must-have for all households for a good-looking lawn and yard all year round.
2. Choose the best mechanic tool sets for repair jobs, whether at work or at home.
3. Finding the best lawn mowers is not as easy as you think. Learn more when you read this post.

Conclusion

These are important things you need to know about different types of light bulbs. Choosing the right light bulb for your home lighting needs could be overwhelming. By being familiar with light bulbs, you won't risk buying the wrong bulb anymore and getting the most out of the best light bulbs out there.

The post 5 Different Types of Light Bulbs: Lighting Solutions to Brighten Your Life appeared first on The Golden.

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Do you want to know how to plant grass seed? This is the guide for you.

I've received great reviews on my articles about home gardening, so I know people have been enjoying my helpful techniques. I've also been featured on sites like Constant Delights and The Spruce. That's why I know these tips for planting grass seed are just what you need to grow them successfully.

What are you waiting for? Let's get started!

Contents

8 Easy Steps To Follow When Planting Grass Seed For Best Results

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If you're a newbie at home gardening and need some lawn care tips to grow plant seeds, you've come to the right place. Most homeowners need to learn how to plant grass seeds. It's a terrific way to increase the amount of green space around your home or improve an existing lawn. Planting or seeding grass is simple and can be done by anyone.

#1. Choose the right grass seeds.

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Success in growing grass always starts by ensuring the seeds you choose are of top quality and the ideal grass species for your area. Things such as weather and the amount of sun your yard gets will affect your grass growth.

You'll first need to identify if you need a warm or cool-season grass seed. Take a peek at a world map and identify where your country is. If it is on the northern part of the map, then you need cool-season grasses. If it is in the southern part, warm-season grasses are much better.

The major cool-season varieties are Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and ryegrass. On the other hand, warm-season grass seed varieties include one of the most common lawn grass in the world: Bermuda. Other kinds include Bahia, Centipede, and St. Augustine.

#2. Make sure to prepare your soil.

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To ensure your soil is ready for planting, it's best to do a soil test first. Get a soil test kit from your local gardening shops to check if the soil pH will be good for planting grass seed. Read and follow the instructions on the packet accordingly.

Combining vinegar and baking soda to test soil pH levels is another option. Collect 1 cup of soil from different areas of your lawn, and split it into separate cups. Then, add ½ cup of vinegar to one cup and ½ cup of baking soda to the other. Check to see if the reaction is more acidic or alkaline.

If the soil reacts to the vinegar, it's more alkaline. If it responds to baking soda, it's more acidic. Grass prefers a soil pH range of 6.5-7.0. If your soil is more acidic (below 6.5) or more alkaline (above 7), you'll have to do something about your soil.

Make sure you test the ground only when it's dry because wet soil won't give you accurate results. You can then conduct soil amendment with the help of planting aids after you've collected the results.

Compacted soil won't allow young grass plants to grow well, so make sure to prep the soil before the planting process. If you are planting in a smaller area, such as a bare spot on your lawn, cultivate the location by first removing the dead grass. If it's a larger area, use a shovel or trowel and dig to loosen the top 2 to 3 inches of soil.

#3. Remove debris and soil clumps.

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Your new lawn deserves to have a little love and care before you add any grass to it. Cleaning it out from debris and soil clumps will help you grow more healthy and even grass. It will save you time, money, and effort when you do this simple task.

Before spreading and planting your seeds, it's important to remove any debris, such as sticks and stones, from the area. Whatever grass type you're planting, they will want ample space and a clean environment to thrive in. It's your job to help them do that by keeping the area neat and free from unnecessary clutter.

Make sure to also break up or remove bigger clumps of soil. Grass seeds grow better when they're not compacted because they need some breathing space. Removing clumps also helps keep the soil moist because the seeds can evenly acquire the water.

#4. Water the area before putting down seeds.

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Wetting the soil before planting your seeds helps encourage speedy seed germination. It's also important that the soil temperature is fit for your seeds.

Spring seeding and dormant seeding won't germinate until soil temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. At a depth of 2 inches, you'd want a range of around 50-65 degrees. Once we reach this soil temperature, the process of germination will begin.

#5. Use your hand to plant in smaller areas.

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You can easily spread grass seedlings by hand in smaller patches. Simply spread them out evenly, then use your fingers or a hand rake to gently work them into the soil. Ideally, the seeds shouldn't be buried deeper than 1/4 inch as they still need adequate sunlight to germinate.

#6. Use a broadcast or rotary spreader for larger areas.

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Grass seed spreaders are great for larger lawns because they spread seeds by fanning them out in all directions with uniform coverage. You want approximately 15 seeds per square inch of soil. If you have too many together, the seedlings will fight for room and nutrients, resulting in weak and thin grass.

#7. Water Adequately.

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Never saturate the seeded areas. You want the grass seedbeds moist but not soggy. Watering two or three times a day will help keep the soil at the right water levels, and when grass seedlings begin to grow, gradually water less frequently but in heavier doses. Remember that some turfgrass varieties take longer to germinate, so they will take longer to sprout.

#8. Know when to mow your grass for the first time.

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When your grass reaches a height of 3 inches, it's ready to withstand a run with the lawnmower. For its first season, mow high, not cutting more than 1/3 of the grass blade as it can weaken its growth.

2 Types Of Grass Seeds For Your Lawn

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Choosing a new grass seed can be tricky if you don't know your location and soil situation requirements. That's why we've prepared a helpful list of grass seeds to give you all the info you need before you purchase them.

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#1. Warm-Season Grasses

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Warm-season grasses are the ones that can withstand the heat and still grow beautifully. Some of these can also survive drought and extreme temperatures. If you're living somewhere that's hot, you should think about getting one of these grass seed varieties. Here are a few warm-season kinds of grass for you to consider:

Bahia

Bahiagrass is valued for outstanding drought and heat tolerance and an ability to thrive where many lawn types of grass falter. In a limited region of southeastern United States, it is used mostly on lawns. Bahiagrass produces a relatively durable, low-growing, low-maintenance turf within this area.

via: Pexels / Max Vakhtbovych

Bermuda

Bermudagrass is valued for its exceptional heat and drought tolerance and its capacity to withstand heavy use and recuperate quickly. This combination leads many U.S. lawn owners to rely on Bermudagrass for its resilience. But Bermuda's climate requirements limit its widespread use.

It is more sensitive to cold temperatures than other warm-season grasses. This lack of tolerance for the cold limits its capacity to grow in the "transition zone," the zone in the middle of the warm-season & cold season zones. South of that region, from the Atlantic across southern states into California, Bermudagrass is the number one lawn choice.

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Centipede

If you want a low-maintenance lawn, the Centipede grass is a great choice for you. This perennial can withstand winters year after year when grown in mild climates. However, it is also more sensitive to cold than many other warm-season grasses.

For instance, it can survive the warm winters in the sandy, acidic soils of the Southeast, from the Carolinas across the Southern Coastal Plains to the Texas Gulf Coast. But, if you go even a little North of that area, the winters will be too much for this grass to survive. Also, the American Southwest region soils are too alkaline for the Centipede grass.

It won't do well under extreme drought, as well. That's another reason Centipede grass loves the Southeast and its high annual rainfall. Compared to other warm-season grasses, the root system of the Centipede is relatively shallow. They require extra vigilance and watering during the low rainfall season.

via: Pexels / Ketut Subiyanto

St. Augustine

If you live along the coast, this grass is perfect for you. It has a salt-tolerant quality that makes it survive the salty waters near the sea. It belongs to the Poaceae family, making it a true grass. You will immediately recognize its difference in appearance from other lawn grasses because of its bluish-green leaves and its low creeping habit that allows it to form dense mats. Its blades are also wide and flat.

Growing St. Augustine grass is simple. Make sure it gets lots of sunlight. It can also tolerate some shade. In fact, out of the warm-season grasses, this is the most shade-tolerant. Don't forget to water it regularly and give it a good dose of all-purpose fertilizer to keep it healthy.

In all but the warmest climates in the U.S., such as the southern extremes of Florida and California, St. Augustine grass will turn brown in winter. As long as you are in at least zone 7, don't worry. It's not dead, just dormant. It will become green again when warm weather returns.

via: Pexels / Max Avans

Zoysia

Zoysia grass was introduced into the United States from Asia and grew best during the warm (80 to 95 °F) months of late spring, summer, and early fall. They grow best during this time and produce a dense, attractive lawn. Zoysia grass will turn brown on the first fall frost and remain dormant during the winter. Most Zoysia grass varieties grow very slowly compared to other grasses and are usually established by sodding or plugging.

via: Pexels / Ketut Subiyanto

#2. Cool-Season Grasses

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Cool-season grasses have adapted to grow well in areas of the country that experience extreme temperature fluctuations: cold, freezing winters and hot, dry summers. These grasses grow best when temperatures are between 60-75 degrees F, so they grow most actively in the spring and fall.

Kentucky

In the U.S., many lawn owners consider Kentucky bluegrass the ideal grass for their lawns. When it gets proper care and preferred growing conditions, this grass produces a dense, lush, and durable lawn that lives up to its reputation. It comes back year after year and grows most vigorously during the cool seasons of fall and spring. It has the greatest cold hardiness of all the common cool-season U.S. lawn grasses. It's used most in northern climates where moderately warm summers and cold winters align with its natural preferences and growth cycle.

via: Unsplash / Jeff Arnold

Fine Fescue

It is a standard turf grass that is bunching and perennial. This fescue variety is often part of a grass mixture to create a northern shade tolerant grass that doesn't require much moisture and fertilizer. The grass stays green all year long in most regions and is drought tolerant.

There are 5 major species of Fine Fescue: hard, sheep, chewings, creeping red, and slender creeping. These are often sold as a blended seed mix for much better turf vigor. These are optimal for temperate and cooler regions, especially maritime and low mountainous climates.

via: Unsplash / Nadine Shaabana

Tall Fescue

As a cool-season grass, tall fescue is well-suited to northern lawns. It can also grow in southern transitional turf grass regions where cool-season and warm-season grasses meet their climate limits. Tall fescue offers greater heat tolerance than other cool-season grasses and greater cold tolerance than warm-season grass options for these lawn owners. The result is beautiful year-round lawns in this challenging transition area.

via: Unsplash / Juan Manuel Núñez Méndez

Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass is used throughout the United States as turf grass and high-quality pasture grass for livestock.

The perennial ryegrass is a short-lived grass that provides quick color, short-term erosion control, or temporary stability for a season. Turf-type perennial ryegrass is used in those same ways, but it comes back year after year in northern climates to establish a permanent lawn. Also, ryegrass is ideally sown in late summer or spring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Are you all set on planting grass seed? If you have some more queries, these frequently asked questions can give you more information.

When to plant grass seed?

Plant cool-season grass seed in late summer or early fall (when daytime temperatures lower to about 60 to 75 degrees) for best success. September is typically the best month, although you might be able to get away with seeding as early as mid-August or as late as mid-October. On the other hand, the best time to plant warm-season grass seeds is late spring or early summer, or when temperatures hover near 80 degrees or higher in your area.

Do I need to top dress my lawn with compost?

Yes, you do. Topdressing a lawn adds organic matter to the soil, enhancing its growing capacity. It also helps the grass get proper drainage and better tilth. Applying compost also improves germination and retains moisture.

How long does a grass seed germinate?

Most grass seeds will be growing in about 10-15 days. Sometimes it takes up to 30 days for them to grow. It all depends on the type of grass seed, weather, soil conditions, etc.

When do I give my new grass its first mow?

Mowing is the most important lawn care job there is. A regular, sensible mowing routine will keep your lawn robust, healthy, and beautiful. But you must get it right from the very start. Your newly turfed lawn will probably need its first cut after a week or so in spring and summer.

More Interesting Planting Guide Articles To Explore

Do you need some more help with your home gardening escapades? Here are more interesting planting guide articles to explore:

1. Do you want to have some fresh berries in your home garden? This guide on how to plant blueberries can help you get a head start on that.
2. Dahlias are great additions to make your garden look vibrant and beautiful. Check out this guide on how to plant dahlia tubers and see how easy it can be.
3. Are you looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your garden? You'll have a blast with this guide on how to plant succulents.

Conclusion

Didn't I tell you you'd learn how to plant grass seed by the end of this post?

These tips for planting grass seed aren't just going to help you plant them, but they also help you make them healthier and more long-lasting. They'll help you choose what kind to get and avoid. You'll also find that location and climate have a lot to do with how your grass seed will grow. Share these tips with a fellow home gardener and see how thankful they will be when they have a fresh lawn with healthy grass.

The post 8 Easy Ways To Make You Feel Like An Expert - How To Plant Grass Seed appeared first on The Golden.

via: Pexels / cottonbro

Don't know when to repot plants? The question "how often should you repot plants" is a pretty common one in the world of gardening.

I've written plenty of posts on how to start a garden. so I can help you learn how to know when to repot plants. In my experience as a professional gardener, I've found a lot of tell-tale signs that your plant is ready to move to a different home.

Let's start.

Contents

When to Repot Plants - The Signs You Should Look Out For

via: Unsplash / Severin Candrian

There are plenty of signs that your plants might need repotting. More often than not, your plants will tell you exactly when they need a new home. You just have to pay close attention to what they're saying.

How can someone check their plant's roots to see if it requires repotting? We'll answer all of that and more in this section.

So if you're planning on repotting your plants, you have to watch out for any of the following:

Sign #1: Your plant's growth rate is slower than before.

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If you notice that your plants are not putting out new leaves or any new growth, it's probably time to repot plants.

Repotting plants is a great way to encourage growth. When you think about it, giving your plants more room to root equals giving them a better opportunity to get more nutrients. Ultimately, repotting your indoor plant can help it grow faster and healthier.

Sign #2: The soil dries out more quickly.

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Using well-draining soil in your pots is crucial to prevent root rot. However, if you notice that your plant's soil drains more quickly than usual, it's time to transfer your houseplant into a new pot with fresh soil.

Even for any new plant, you have t make sure that the pot and soil mix has good drainage and aeration for healthy roots and root ball.

Sign #3: Another tell-tale sign that your plants need repotting is their roots.

via: Pexels Karolina Grabowska-

If your plants' roots are peeking through the drainage holes or pushing your plants upwards and out of the soil, you'll need to find a bigger pot for transfer.

Plants with bigger roots, such as a snake plant or a giant pothos plant, can destroy nursery pots or other softer pots. You can use clay pots as their new vessel in this case.

Sign #4: The houseplant is "way too big" for its pot.

via: Pexels / Elīna Arāja

Top-heavy foilage can tip your potted plant over and cause some damage to its leaves, stems, flowers, and pot. So when you see that your house plant looks like it's way too big for its current home, then it's time to repot houseplants.

When transferring your plants, make sure that the new pot size is about an inch or two larger than the existing pot. This can prevent shock for the plants and allows their root system to adjust better.

Sign #5: You haven't repotted your plants in over a year.

via: Unsplash / Brandon Cormier

The last and necessary sign that you should start repotting houseplants is when you've literally never done this activity in an entire year. Letting your plants stay in the same old pot that they came in with from the garden center can do a lot of damage to the plant roots.

This is a chore that should be done at least once a year to encourage growth and better health for your beloved greenery. Having them grow in a larger container with new soil can help them grow stronger roots and push out new leaves.

via: TheGolden

How To Transfer Plants - 6 Easy Steps

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Transferring your plants to a new container might sound intimidating for a novice gardener. However, all plant-lovers go through the same feeling and thought.

Thinking about the possibilities of growing larger, healthier plants that seem to turn any room into your personal jungle is exciting and scary at the same time. But believe me when I say that leaving your plants in each of their current pot can hinder the growth you wish for them.

Step #1: Take the plant out of its current container.

via: Unsplash / vadim kaipov

The first step of repotting is to remove your container plant from its vessel. Make sure that you check the soil for any plastics, netting, and pests. All of these can get in the way of growing stronger roots for your plants.

Step #2: Loosen their roots.

via: Pexels / Sasha Kim

The next step is to examine the plants' roots. Do they look plump, white, and healthy? Are they root bound? If yes, carefully untangle the roots from each other.

If you see any root rot, trim off the rooted part and wash the roots with a mix of peroxide and water. As long as the roots are more than a couple of inches long, you can directly transfer them into a new pot. But, if in any case, you have to remove all or most of the roots because of rotting, leave the plant in some clean water until the root grows.

Step #3: Remove any old potting soil.

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After untangling the roots, the next thing to do is wash off the old soil from your plants. This soil might contain pests, bacteria, and other harmful elements that can make your plant sick. Using a water-peroxide mix to disinfect the roots is ideal.

Step #4: Replace the potting soil.

via: Pexels / cottonbro

When repotting your houseplant or outdoor plant, as much as possible, use fresh potting soil. Here's a fresh potting mix recipe that you can use:

• 2 parts new soil
• 1 part orchid bark
• 1 part vermicast or coconut coir
• 1/4 part charcoal
• 1/4 part perlite

All of these ingredients contribute to better aeration for the roots, an increase in nitrogen content, and excellent drainage when you water your houseplant.

Step #5: Add the plant.

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Fill your clay pot or plastic pot halfway with your soil mix. Carefully place your plant in the pot, and cover the roots with the potting mix.  Make sure to pack the soil in to secure your plant in its pot. You can store the excess soil in a new container or other plastic pots for future use.

Step #6: Water the plants to set the soil.

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The last step in repotting is to water your newly repotted plant. Watering right after transferring helps set the soil so that your houseplant is secured and ready to grow.

4 Things To Consider When Transferring Your Plants

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Whether you're repotting a smaller plant or a larger one, the things to consider remain the same.

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Consideration #1: Size of the Pot and Drainage

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The size of the pot depends on you and what you have in your possession. When buying a larger pot for your plants, consider the drainage holes. Believe it or not, plants are more susceptible to 'drowning' due to overwatering, and one way to prevent this is by using pots with good drainage holes.

Consideration #2: Type of Soil To Use

via: Pexels / Tima Miroshnichenko

Another important thing to consider is the potting mix you're using. For houseplants, I highly recommend potting soil that's airy and well-draining. Adding a bit of fertilizer after repotting is a good trick to promote faster growth.

First of all, repotting a houseplant is both a thrilling experience and a risk. When repotting, you allow your plants to grow more and thrive. But at the same time, repotting may take a huge toll on your plant's health.

Consideration #3: Timing of Repotting

via: Pexels / Karolina Grabowska

In my experience, you can repot plants any time of the day, any day of the year. However, the best time to do so is in the morning. After repotting a plant, you'll need to water the soil down so that the roots will 'stick' better with the potting mix you have.

If you transfer your plants on a bigger vessel during the day, the soil will dry up much faster than repotting at night. Another cool tip to try when repotting your plants is to leave them somewhere with indirect light. Harsh lighting or too much heat may damage your plant, specifically its leaves. So it would help if you were careful while waiting for the roots to get established in the soil.

Consideration #4: How Often Should You Repot a Plant

via: Pexels / Karolina Grabowska

Depending on the growth rate of your plants and how big you want them to be, you can repot your plants every 12 to 18 months. This timeframe gives your plants plenty of time to establish roots and stock up on nutrients.

To give you a better example, let's say you have a pothos plant that you want to repot. If you want your plants to become lusher, you'll need to transfer them to a bigger container with more soil. Aside from repotting, you might also want to consider giving your plants trim. Cutting off some leaves or vines can help your plants direct more energy to grow faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Have more questions on growing plants? I'll answer them here.

Should you water plants immediately after you transfer them to other pots?

Yes. Watering your plants when you move them into a bigger container is a crucial step in establishing them. Unless they securely bond with the potting mix, they won't survive.

Why are my plants dying after repotting?

The scary part people often think of when repotting plants is that they won't survive. I'll share a secret with you to decrease the chances of killing your plants when repotting them. Keep them in an area where they can receive ample indirect light and water them every few days or so. Doing these can help your plants acclimate faster to their new pot.

How often should you replace soil on plotted plants?

Generally, replacing the potting mix should be done whenever you notice anomalies in the pot. Watch out for the following things:

• Water drains slowly.
• Water drains too quickly.
• There's moss, molds, and pests on the potting mix.
• The potting mix you're using is compacted.

Can I use the same soil when I transfer my plants?

You can use the same soil given that it doesn't contain pests, molds, and any other things that can harm your plants. However, I recommend that you use a new potting mix when transferring your plants to a new pot.

More How-To Guide Articles For Plant Lovers

Need more resources for your plant ventures? We got your back! Here are some excellent how-to guides for growing beautiful plants.

1. Use this ultimate guide on how to grow zebra plants to impress other enthusiasts.
2. Want to know how to grow rose succulents? This post will lay it out for you.
3. Learn how to grow mother of thousands easily with this easy-to-follow guide.

Conclusion

See, repotting plants is nothing to be scared off. With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily transfer your plants to a new home whenever you want. Now that you know when to repot plants, you can create a breathtaking garden in any space you choose.

The post 5 Important Signs on When to Repot Plants: Easily Know Them All Here appeared first on The Golden.

via: Depositphotos / YAYImages

With the continuous effect of climate change on water shortage, plants that can survive dry seasons are making it to the spotlight. Being able to survive long dry spells, these drought tolerant plants are a must in your garden or indoors.

With my gardening expertise sought after websites such as Constant Delights, I have the perfect list of plants that like full direct sunlight to help you turn your dry gardens into an oasis.

Read on and be ready to get your hands dirty.

Contents

What are Drought-tolerant Perennials

via: Unsplash / Richard Loader

Drought tolerant perennials can withstand long periods without much water and survive even during a drought. These are favored over other plants in places that suffer long dry spells. These plants have special features and adaptations that help them survive this extreme condition.

Characteristics

One characteristic of drought-resistant plants is smaller leaves, some even growing needle-like leaves to prevent water loss. A great example of this is the cactus. Cactuses develop thorn-like leaves both for water conservation and protection from thirsty animals. The smaller the surface area, the less water is lost during transpiration. Transpiration is the loss of water through the stomata in the leaves of plants.

Another thing you'll notice on the leaves is the thick cuticle or wax layer covering them, especially those plants that have broad leaves. This wax covering minimizes water loss. Some have hair-like structures surrounding the leaves mainly to trap moisture. The roots of these plants grow long and deep to reach water tables, while some grow theirs horizontally to absorb surface water. These adaptations help the plants remain green all year round.

Where do they grow

These plants grow in hot and very dry environments. They grow best in soils that are dry and even dusty or gravelly. Although they need very minimal watering, they need to be hydrated when first planted.

10 Most Popular Plants That Can Survive Through Dry Season

via: Pixabay / GAIMARD

If you want your garden blooming with life even in extreme heat, these are just some plants that, like full direct sunlight, you can grow.

1. Lavender

via: Pixabay / kucukgulberkan

This sun-loving plant produces lovely flowers that emit a calming scent. Lavenders are great for gardeners who don't want much maintenance work. They grow as hedges that can be decorative in your garden. Lavenders need little watering and can survive both drought and frost.

2. Yarrow

via: Pixabay / JamesDeMers

Yarrows are medicinal herbs that you can grow with very minimal supervision. They prefer well-drained soil and can grow in very dry and sandy soil. Yarrows are decorative plants that can add a touch to your home. A word of caution, though, yarrows can become an invasive herb, so once you notice it growing out of control, you better do something about it before it takes over your garden.

3. Echinacea

via: Pixabay / MabelAmber

Echinacea, or the purple coneflower, is a native of North America. The majestic flowers of this plant will make colors pop in your garden. It can survive dry summers and cold winters. Proper watering is required when establishing this plant in your garden for the first time. But once it has settled, minimal watering is needed.

4. Coreopsis

via: Pixabay / JamesDeMers

Threadleaf coreopsis is a perennial plant guaranteed to grow well in well-drained, dry soil. It can survive even in poor and sandy soils. It produces golden yellow flowers that can brighten up any dry, dull garden when in full bloom. They're very chill plants that thrive when left alone.

5. Golden Marguerite Daisy

via: Depositphotos / Debu55y

One of the famous types of yellow plants is the golden marguerite daisy which can be very similar to coreopsis. It blooms with daisy-like flowers and has leaves that have a faint aroma close to the smell of chamomile. They can grow in poor soils and even survive in sandy or chalky soil than in very wet soil.

6. Allium

via: Pixabay / sharkolot

Alliums come in different shades and colors and do not require much tending. Garlic and onion are among the Allium species that can be grown at the edges of garden plots and beds as it is resistant to rodents and deers. They also flourish under direct sunlight and well-drained soil, perfect for dry gardens.

7. Butterfly Bush

via: Depositphotos / lantapix

These plants' success in thriving and spreading results from their ability to survive in extreme heat. So much that they are considered invasive in certain areas, but not to worry, hybrids have been developed to resolve this problem. Butterfly Bushes got their name because they attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. So if you want to make your dry garden full of life, add this to your patch.

8. Malva sylvestris

via: Depositphotos / weha

The bright rose-purple flowers of this plant are an eye-catcher. They fully bloom in the late spring or early summer as it best grows when exposed to full sunlight. They are tough plants that can tolerate heat and dry and poor soil. They grow as bushes, so they are perfect for cottage gardens or used as borders.

9. Russian Sage

via: Depositphotos / PantherMediaSeller

Despite its name, the Russian sage is not a sage but a mint family member. These plants grow in warm climates and need full sunlight for flowering; they are perfect for adding to your garden as it blooms purple flowers in the summer until fall. It thrives in dry and less fertile soil but can tolerate even clay soils as long as it is well-drained.

10. Catmint

via: Depositphotos / Debu55y

Catmints are sun-loving plants from the mint family. Its green foliage and vibrant blue to purple flowers make the catmint a must-have plant, especially if your garden has dry soil. This plant is not only resistant to drought but is also resistant to pests and diseases. They don't thrive well in very fertile soil. Given enough space and even under partial shade, catmints can grow full and wide.

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How To Take Care of Your Plants To Make Them Look Good Even On Dry Spells

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For plant lovers, extended periods of drought can be a tough time. But never worry cause there are several ways to make sure your gardens survive the dry spell and still look good.

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Step #1: Use mulch.

via: Unsplash / Paul Green

Cover the soil with dry leaves, discarded cardboard, barks, or other organic materials. This helps the soil retain its moisture and slow down evaporation.

Step #2: Deep watering.

via: Unsplash / Zoe Schaeffer

Watering deeply can do more good for your plant and can save you from the cost of frequent watering. This way, you do not need to water your plants very often.

Step #3: Schedule your watering.

via: Unsplash / Abigail Lynn

The rule is to water your plants before 8 am. Never do it at noon or when there's scorching heat as it will be a waste of water.

Step #4: Dust the leaves.

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During the dry season, dust can accumulate on the surface of the leaves of larger plants. Grab some moist towels and remove the build-up on the surface. This will make your plants look healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions

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There's more to these vegetations than being branded as plants that don't need water. Here are some answers to common questions about heat-loving perennials.

What makes these perennials great for dry gardens?

Perennials are great for dry gardens because they make them look more lively. It would mask the parched area of your garden and still make them stand out. You can make your dry garden look like an oasis with shrubs, flowering plants, and succulents, creating an evergreen garden without too much watering.

Can you grow drought-tolerant perennials indoors?

You can. You have to consider putting them under the sun or where they can get enough good sunlight. They can serve as decorations on shelves, and since they need very little watering, you don't have to worry about them all the time. Just make sure to let them have some direct sunlight from time to time.

Are drought perennials good for decorations?

Most drought-resistant plants bloom with colorful flowers, especially during dry periods. So yes, they can be very good decorations. If you want your garden to be a head-turner, add some of these plants to liven it up.

What's your best advice for someone growing a garden in a drought?

Practice drought-tolerant landscaping. This includes establishing plants that can survive a drought. There are no use growing plants that cannot withstand dry soil. Know when to water them and the amount of sunlight they need so you have an idea where to place them in your garden. Lastly, make sure you have well-drained soil so your plants don't get soggy, rot, and die.

More Interesting Articles to Explore

If you want to know more about plants with high drought tolerance that you can grow at home, here are some more articles.

1. Thinking about creating a whole different vibe for your garden? Read on what outdoor succulents to plant.
2. Even without a large garden, you can still show off your succulents inside your home. Learn more about indoor succulents.
3. Want to cultivate one of the most loved succulents? Learn about how to grow elephant bushes.

Conclusion

Gardens should never be boring just because they are dry. Plants that can tolerate drought can be the thing that can turn your garden around during long, dry conditions. They are very decorative plants that bloom with flowers that can instantly beautify your garden and home.

The post 10 Gorgeously Drought Tolerant Plants To Beautify Your Gardens Even During Dry Spells appeared first on The Golden.

via: Pixabay / Security

Interested in learning tips and tricks on how to remove red wine stains?

As The Golden's resident handyman and DIY expert, I've learned plenty of different things about keeping things clean, which I've demonstrated in places like Huffpost and Rocky Mountain Forest Products. If you need something cleaned thoroughly, I'm your guy.

Want those pesky red wine stains gone? Let's begin.

Contents

How to Remove Red Wine Stain - Simple Steps To Follow

via: Unsplash / Apolo Photographer

Ah, the infamous red wine. Perfect on a cold night but a nightmare for fabrics. If you're one of the unlucky ones to create a red wine spill accidentally, don't panic: there are easy ways to remove it. Red wine stain removal becomes easy when you've got a guide to follow, and I've assembled a simple but effective guide to dealing with pesky red wine stains. If you want to learn how to get rid of red wine stains, continue reading!

Removing Wine Stains on Clothes

via: Unsplash / Alexandre Boucey

Most of the time, it's clothes that suffer the majority of stains. If you want to learn how to get red wine out of clothes, a few helpful tips and tricks make it a smooth process. Here, I'll list the things you'll need and how to use them.

Things you need: dishwashing detergent, hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is a mild bleach, so apply this trick only to light-colored clothes. For dark and brightly colored clothes, you can use baking soda instead. Blot the excess wine from the cloth with paper towels, and cover the stain liberally with a mixture of baking soda and water. The mixture should have a paste-like consistency. Let the mixture soak until the baking soda has completely dried, then wash the cloth in hot water.

For plain white fabrics, you can use bleach to lift the stain.

How to do it:

Step #1: Mix equal parts of dishwashing detergent and hydrogen peroxide.

Mix the two thoroughly until the mixture gains the consistency of a paste. Start with a small amount at first - you'll want just enough to cover the stain.

via: Pexels / Sarah Chai-

Step #2: Pour the mixture over the stained area and let it soak in for a few minutes. Check often to see if the stain disappears, and add more mixture until the stain is completely gone.

Let the mixture set in for a few minutes, and check periodically to see if the stain disappears over time. If the stain shrinks, continue to add a little more of the mixture until the stain has faded away.

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Step #3: Once the stain has completely faded away, wash the cloth as you normally would.

If the stain has faded completely, all you need to do is wash the mixture off the cloth. Thankfully, you'll only need soap and water to clean it, unlike the red wine stain.

via: Pexels / Swift

via: TheGolden

Removing Wine Stains on Carpets and Rugs

via: Unsplash / Ran Berkovich

Another thing that often gets stained is floor coverings, especially those lovely carpets and rugs you've put over the floor. If this happens, consider it a better outcome than having it stain the floor itself - stains are incredibly hard to remove from wood.

Things you need: salt, paper towel, vacuum

You might think that salt is a strange thing to use, but salt absorbs wetness from surfaces, making it ideal to use for a red wine stain. On the other hand, paper towels are used for blotting the stain. After the stain has disappeared, the vacuum cleaner will be used to clean everything up.

How to do it:

Step #1: Blot as much spilled red wine as you can with a paper towel.

Use the paper towel to blot the stain as much as you can. Don't rub the paper towel against the rug; it might press the stain deeper, making it harder to remove. So, lightly dab and blot the stain until you can't anymore.

via: Pexels / Vie Studio

Step #2: Cover the entire stained area with salt until the stain is no longer visible.

Pile up plenty of salt over the stain until you can't see it anymore. Fine-grained salt is better than things like rock salt because the greater quantities mean that it'll absorb more fluid.

via: Pexels / Lorena Martínez

Step #3: Let the salt soak up the stain for a few minutes. Leave it overnight to be more effective.

Give the salt some time to soak up the stain. You don't need to check periodically for this; you'll want to make sure everything is fully absorbed, so don't disturb the site unless you feel that enough time has passed.

via: Unsplash / Pavel Neznanov

Step #4: Once the stain is dry, vacuum everything up or launder as usual.

Rub it on the stain, wait for it to dry, and vacuum it up. Instead of pouring water or cleaning solutions onto the fabric for carpets and other upholstery, I suggest spritzing them. Excess liquid can damage the quality of the fabric, and doing so will prevent it from happening. A mixture of baking soda and water (or vinegar) always works wonders for breaking up wine stains.

via: Pexels / RODNAE Productions

Removing Wine Stains Using Laundry and Cleaning Products

via: Pexels / Ron Lach

Another way to remove wine stains is by using laundry and cleaning products. These items are designed to remove stains, so they can be a big asset in removing pesky stains if used properly.

Things you need: laundry powder, warm water

Laundry detergent is a powerful tool in stain removal. So, if your clothing needs to be laundered and be rid of stains simultaneously, use this to cleanse it of stains and dirt.

How to do it:

Step #1: Soak the clothing in the laundry powder of your choice mixed with the warmest temperature your fabric can handle.

Use only as much laundry detergent as you need, as adding too much can damage the colors of your clothing. Warm water will also help remove the stain, get between it and the fibers of your clothing, and push it out.

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Step #2: Check if the stain has lifted, then wash as usual.

If doing it yourself didn't work, there are commercial wine stain removers that you can buy. I recommend Wine Away, Wine B' Gone, Chateau Spill, or Gonzo Wine Out. These products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and chlorine-free.

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Red Wine Stain That Has Dried

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Sometimes, we can't respond immediately to a red wine stain. Maybe you were at a party outside and could only go home until after the red wine stain had dried. It's not the end of the world if it happens - just use these helpful tricks to remove that stain once and for all.

Things you need: 70% alcohol, cold water

You'll need some strong alcohol to get rid of a stain that has dried. When picking alcohol to use on the stain, check to ensure it has the right concentration of alcohol you need; anything below 70% may not be enough to get rid of the stain.

How to do it:

Step #1: Rub the old red wine stain with 70% alcohol.

Gently rub the stain with the alcohol you've acquired. Be careful when rubbing - you don't want to damage any fabric by adding too much alcohol or too much force in rubbing.

via: Unsplash / Kelly Sikkema

Step #2: Let it sit for a few minutes, then soak in cold water.

Afterward, let the alcohol sit for a few minutes. When the alcohol has slightly dried, soak the item in cold water, and check if the stain fades.

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Step #3: Rinse and wash as you normally would.

You can also try rubbing liquid laundry detergent in the stained area and let it soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Apply a stain remover and wash as usual.

via: Pexels / Teona Swift

Frequently Asked Questions

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Red wine stains are troublesome, and cleaning them isn't something that can be done with just soap and water. If you're curious about other, more annoying stains to clean, I have some examples of frequently asked questions about stains, not just ones made by red wine.

Are red wine stains permanent?

Red wine stains can seep in deeply into the material it stains, so you'll want to clean them as soon as possible. It can make a lasting, permanent stain on clothes or furniture if left for too long. So, when a red wine spill occurs, hurry to clean it as soon as possible.

What are other tough stains to remove?

Red wine stains are hard to remove, but other worse things can create stains. Chocolate is one example, as it melts into fabric and gets between the fibers, making it hard to remove. Another example is permanent marker; for obvious reasons, sometimes ordinary soap can't get rid of it.

How do you remove wine stains from wood?

Wood can be another thing that red wine can stain, and unlike fabric, it's much harder to remove a stain that occurs on wood... and can even become permanent if left long enough. To remove stains from wood, you will need to first blot out the stain with a wet towel and then use a cleaning agent to clean up the stain. Cover the stain entirely with cleaning agents like oil soap, bleach, or baking soda after blotting with the towel.

How long does it take before the stain from the red wine sets in?

It can take as short as a few minutes up to an hour, depending on the material the stain is created on. On wood especially, it can quickly make a lasting mark. Red wine dries quickly, so if you find a stain that hasn't set in, move quickly to remedy the problem, or else it will become permanent.

More Interesting House Maintenance Articles To Explore

Was the article informative? Cleaning your house can be hard at first, but anyone can keep their house clean and stain-free with the right tips and tricks. If you're interested in other methods of maintaining your house, try reading these other articles on home maintenance.

1. Do you want to know how to clean oven glass? Here's a guide to help you.
2. Have some succulents at home and are clueless about caring for them? Here's a guide on how to care for succulents.
3. Flies can be pesky things to deal with, so if you need to quickly take care of that problem, here's how to get rid of flies!

Conclusion

Knowing how to remove red wine stains can help you next time there's an accident at a house party. Handling serious stains like those caused by red wine can be tricky. If all that still didn't work, it's time to call the pros. Yes, you may have to cash out a few bucks, but if you're serious about salvaging your favorite silk dress, cashmere scarf, or expensive carpet, you got to.

The post Check Out Useful Helpful & Easy Ways How To Remove Red Wine Stain appeared first on The Golden.

via: Pexels / Polina Kholodova

Do you want to learn how to plant dahlia tubers? This post is just for you.

I've received great reviews on my posts about being a successful home gardener, so I know that you'll enjoy this guide on how to grow dahlias and spice up your home garden. Growing dahlias from seed is easy when you know all the right tricks.

Let's get started!

Contents

What Are Dahlia Tubers?

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The dahlia tuber is the tuberous root of a dahlia plant. It is a starchy body that contains food, water, and nutrition for a dahlia plant to grow until it establishes a root system that provides food for the plant. During the spring, Dahlias produce them, and they usually mature by the end of the growing season.

You may keep them in the ground longer and only dig them up until the top growth dies back or is killed by the first hard frost. This helps them mature better and allows you to keep them longer in storage. 

Types of Dahlia

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I'm sure you've probably heard of the dahlia plant before. However, I bet you didn't know that there are all kinds of dahlias that you can have in your garden.

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Dahlia Pianella

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Want a vibrant pink flower plant in your garden? This type of dahlia bloom has tightly rolled pink petals with white tips. They are quite tall, so they make great bedding displays or herbaceous borders that fill in gaps that appear as other plants go to seed.

These dahlia plants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil under full sun. Stake them from June onwards. Regularly provide potash-rich fertilizer to prolong flowering. Lift tubers after the first frosts and store them in a cool, dry place until March. You can then pot them up and keep them in a warm greenhouse before planting out in late May.

Dahlia 'Magenta Star'

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The Magenta Star is a medium-tall dahlia with a vivid magenta-pink flower and a narrow red ring around the dark red disc. It's a unique flower that I bet you'd love to have in your garden. These dahlia bulbs bloom massively from July until frost.

Take cuttings from tubers that have started to grow in a greenhouse or frame from late winter onwards. When the young growths are 3 inches long, cut them from the tuber with a sharp knife. Make sure to leave a stump for new growth to form.

Dahlia 'Moor Place'

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This dahlia flower has a unique shape from other flowers. It has miniature, deep maroon, ball-shaped flowers with long, strong stems. Its best planting time is during late May under full sun. Make sure to space them 12-18" apart from each other, so they have ample area to grow. Just keep your pets out of the garden because these plants have been reported to be toxic to them.

Dahlia 'Kevin Floodlight'

via: Pexels / Tiểu Bảo Trương

Kevin Floodlight dahlias are also called dinnerplate dahlias because of their huge and magnificent blossoms with bright and sunny petals. This flower form can grow up to 10-12 inches big. They remain upright, despite their large flowers. This dahlia variety blooms massively from midsummer to late summer.

Sometimes, they grow until the frost. These plants love sunlight and need consistent moisture. Keep that in mind if you're growing dinnerplate dahlias.

How To Plant Dahlia Tubers - 4 Important Things To Remember

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At first glance, first-time gardeners may find Dahlia tubers intimidating, but these tuberous roots are pretty easy to grow.

1. Handling Dahlia Tubers

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As tough as they look, Dahlia tubers grow delicate and easily damaged stems or "necks." To avoid this, I recommend using a garden fork or a spade to loosen the soil around the entire plant while gently pulling the tubers from the ground. And be careful not to cut or skin them as any damage can attract disease organisms that may cause rotting.

2. Planting Requirements

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Dahlia tubers are best planted during the onset of spring, and they love the sun so make sure to plant them in a location where they can receive full sun at least eight hours a day. If you live in warm zones, find a spot where they can get morning sun and afternoon shade. Another thing, Dhalia tubers grow best in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH level of about 6.5 to 7.

Keep the soil temperature at 60 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.

3. Growing Dahlias in Pots

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Since dahlia plant tubers are prone to rot, a potting mix that consists of a nice loose blend of organic matter such as fine bark, vermiculite, peat, and perlite. Also, you should make sure that your potting soil doesn't have any clay in it.

I usually don't recommend planting these tubers in pots but if it's your only option, make sure your pot is at least 15 inches wide and 15 inches deep. And make sure to water them frequently but not too much as this can cause the tubers to rot. Regularly fertilizing your soil will ensure that your Dahlia tubers produce beautiful dahlia flowers throughout the season. 

4. Winter Storage

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The key to successfully storing the rooted cuttings for the winter is making sure they stay dry, have good air circulation, and are in a cool, dark spot. You have many options as to where to store the place tubers. You can use milk crates, plastic bins, paper bags, and even cardboard boxes.

Pro-tip: pack them in peat moss so they can drain well.

Just make sure you've got enough space left between each tuber. Storing your tubers in a moisture-prone area is not good, so place them in a cool, dry, and dark space that won't freeze. It can be an unheated basement, attic, closet, or utility room.

5. Common Pests and Diseases

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If you notice a white powdery substance on your dahlia bulbs and plants, you might be experiencing powdery mildew. Because of high humidity, fungi can cause powdery mildew in ornamental plants. Outbreaks are common in the spring and fall due to varying temperatures.

This invasive fungus is also a common issue in greenhouses, where it infects healthy plants by colonizing the surface of the leaves. Like caterpillars, mites, and leafhoppers, Pests are also common problems in dahlia plants.

via: The Golden

How To Keep Your Dahlias Pest Free - 3 Tips

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It must be overwhelming to have all of these instructions to plant dahlias. That's why we've got some useful growing tips that can help you successfully plant these amazing dahlias and make your garden the most beautiful it can be.

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Tip #1: Choose a safe growing zone.

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Location is one of the most important things to consider when keeping your plants safe from pests. Keep them away from areas that can be nesting grounds for pests. Keep dahlia beds clear of leaves and other plant debris, which provide hiding places for slugs, snails, earwigs, and other pests.

Tip #2: Keep your plant clean.

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Large pests like slugs and caterpillars are easy to remove by hand. Remove the pests and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. Do this in the evenings and early mornings, because they're more active. Use a flashlight, and wear gloves to protect your hands.

Limit mulch depth to no more than 3 inches (8 cm.), especially if you notice silvery slug and snail trails. Keep weeds pulled in the area around your dahlias. Prune any damaged plant parts.

Tip #3: Give them organic stuff.

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Dahlias need more fertilizer than most other flowering plants you might have in your garden. Dahlias are heavy feeders, so they need you to supply them with a steady fertilizer throughout the flowering season. Dahlias prefer a fertilizer somewhat low in nitrogen, such as a product with a ratio of 6-24-24.

You can also include coffee grounds in your fertilizer. Your plants will thank you for it.

As for the pests, you'll need a repellant that works and won't hurt your plant in the process. Instead of using chemical-concentrated pesticides, use slug pellets instead. Sluggo Plus pellets are great for ensuring that pests get away from your precious dahlias.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you have more queries you need to be answered before you cut flowers and store your tubers? After reading these frequently asked questions, not a single tuber will go to waste. Here is a few more information about dahlia tubers you may need:

What time of the year should I plant Dahlias outside?

For most gardeners, it's best to give plants a head start in containers while soil warms up outside - reaching at least 60 degrees F. Generally, you'll plant dahlias outside around the same time you plant tomatoes.

If that's not until late May or early June, where you live, plant them indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. In containers, lay tubers on their sides with the stems up and cover with 2 inches of soil. Wait until you see new growth breaking through to the water.

When do Dahlias start to sprout?

When you are planting dahlia tubers, you may or may not see a sprout. Often, the tubers don't sprout until they have been in the ground (or in a pot) for 4 to 6 weeks. When planted early in the season, it takes tubers longer to come out of dormancy, and the weather is cool.

Sprouting happens more quickly when planting late and the soil is already warm.

In what part of the world are dahlias native?

The dahlia is one of the most spectacular blooming plants now found in gardens worldwide. Dahlias are native to the higher elevations of Mexico and Central America.

Should I soak tubers before planting?

It is not necessary to soak dahlia tubers before planting. However, some gardeners choose to wash them to rehydrate them after storage and to speed up the growing process. Soaking your dahlia tubers before starting them in pots will stimulate them to develop more quickly, which means they'll be ready to flower sooner.

Soak tubers in a bucket of lukewarm water for an hour before planting to rehydrate them properly.

More Interesting Plant Guide Articles

I know you're probably still looking for some more helpful articles that can make you a successful home gardener. These plant guide articles will make you a gardening expert in no time:

Conclusion

Didn't I tell you that you'll learn how to plant dahlia tubers at the end of this article?

Now that you know how to grow dahlias, you'll have a beautiful bed of fresh and healthy dahlia plants in your home garden. When I said that growing dahlias from seed is easy, I meant that you'd understand our tips quickly and efficiently. You can even share this guide with your friends and help them make dahlia plant beds in their gardens. Good luck!

The post How To Plant Dahlia Tubers - 5 Great Ways To Make A Garden Wonderful appeared first on The Golden.

via: Unsplash / mana5280

Gardening wall ideas can serve multitudes of purposes. These garden retaining wall ideas and decorations have been standing tall for years!

I had a lifetime of learning everything home-building and repair-related, so whether it's for work on your house or your yard, I'm your go-to handyman, fixer, and honey-do expert. You can check out links to where I've been featured and some of my best work here.

Ready to beautify your space? Let's get right into it.

Contents

What is Wall Gardening?

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A Garden in a wall is building a wall-like structure to create privacy, achieve height, or divide areas in your outdoor spaces. It can line a landscape feature or effortlessly complement a driveway or concrete paving. Whether it's a stone wall, retaining wall, or vertical garden, wall garden adds to your outdoor home decor.

4 Wall Gardening Tips To Beautify Your Boundary Space

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Give your outdoor area a stylish structure that delineates and divides. Whether it's a wall of trees, a gabion wall, natural stone walling, water, or greenery, here are some expert tips on making your perimeter or divider an eye-catcher.

Tip #1. Add a window.

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If you have an existing stretch of wall that acts as your garden boundary, it may be leaving you feeling boxed in. So, why not add a window? You can go for a modern look or a classic design. It's the best and easiest way to break up a solid barrier or screening.

You can add a whimsical window box planter or a lick of paint to its borders to liven it up and balance your space. It's a great way to improve on an existing wall.

Tip #2. Add a soothing ambiance and a mesmerizing feature by installing a water wall.

via: Unsplash / Nathan Dumlao

Your garden guests will be head-over-heels for this focal point. Water walls create a soothing sound and flowing movement that brings a serene, tranquil feeling to most. It can be added as a stunning planter or a stand-out sculpture.

You can even add water features to a freestanding wall. Whether it's rock, sandstone, or a block wall, water is great wall decor.

Tip #3. Bring a boring wall to life with brilliant and flashy tiles.

via: Unsplash / Mitch Gaiser

Strategically chosen and placed, tiles can affect how natural light plays across your garden. It can liven up your dull boundaries or garden walls by adding shape, color, and texture.

You can even create the look of a stone retaining wall or a mortared wall with the right tile choice. You can even feature your tiled walls to offset your natural stone paving or your garden bed.

Tip #4. Create a vertical garden.

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An extremely popular garden design is to create a living wall. Whether you use climbing plants, attach planters to wall blocks or build vertical structures of plant life, these green walls are a favorite. An alternative to potted plants, vertical gardens are great against stone veneer, a rock wall, or even wood treatment.

They're ideal for a smart home with hydroponic planters for growing herbs and vegetables.

3 Plants You Can Use to Ornament Your Garden Wall

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For unexpected green and floral displays, move away from planting in traditional flower beds and adorn your garden walls with plant life.

Choose plants that like full direct sunlight and those that can bring your outdoor space to life!

#1: Ferns

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Whether they're planted along with a concrete walling or on top of a croft stone retainer, ferns make the perfect ornamental plants. There are many types of ferns to choose from, and they're hardy and adaptable.

#2: Orchids

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If you're looking for garden wall ideas that will complement your outdoor space with colorful blooms and fragrances, many types of orchids will give you the pop of color you might be looking for. Whether you place them in pots on your dry stone wall against a composite decking or hang them from boundary walls, orchids can add a sense of elegance.

#3: Succulents

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Outdoor succulents are great for a garden wall! It doesn't matter if it's a concrete wall, stone, or if they're planted within retaining wall blocks; succulents are easy to keep alive and thriving. If you know how to propagate succulents, you don't need to buy many to get you started on your garden wall decorations.

3 Things To Consider Before Building a Lawn Wall

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It's not just about the material of your garden wall you need to think about before beginning to build. There are other factors you need to consider.

1. Is it on the property boundary?

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Consider your responsibilities if you are building this garden wall on the property boundary with a neighbor. You may need to look at the house deeds or plans and discuss issues and your design with neighbors early on. A 2m high stretch of the brick wall or concrete block may not be something they'd be happy about.

2. What's its purpose?

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If it's for privacy, consider the wall's height and material. If it's simply to add a border or feature, try to find the right balance so it's not overbearing.

If it's a retaining wall, you may need to engage an engineer regarding suitable materials, size, and placement.

If you're building a garden wall as an ornamental piece, consider the outdoor area as a whole. For example, if you have porcelain paving, consider what would make a great contrast. You want your garden wall to add to the existing aesthetics.

3. To be or not to be seen?

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Having a garden wall may be unavoidable. The best thing you can do is to boost its presence by turning it into a feature wall or obscure its existence by hiding it among greenery and blooms. Factor in the square foot of your area and the best materials to use. Garden walls should beautify the space.

Once you get started, though, and look more closely at what you can do with your space, you'll realize the endless possibilities.

via: Golden

Frequently Asked Questions

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Are you sitting in your paving circle with more questions about garden walls? Well, I've answered some of the most frequently asked:

Why do you need to build a garden wall?

A garden wall can add sophistication and a sense of picturesque beauty to a garden. It may serve a purpose as a retaining wall, provide privacy, or act as a divider, but mostly, a garden wall can make an outdoor space feel complete.

Are garden walls high maintenance?

If built right with durable material, garden walls themselves shouldn't require any maintenance. However, if you've created a living wall, it'll require ongoing care with the plants.

If you have existing walls, it's a good idea to check their stability over the years. For example, check if a stone is dislodged or for any rotting wood or erosion.

Do you need footings for the garden wall?

Whether it's built of stone or other material, a garden wall should always stand on a solid foundation. The most common footing for garden walls is a trench filled with concrete. Like smaller, freestanding walls, others might have a t-style, strap beam, or flat spread footing design.

How thick should a garden wall be?

This really depends on its purpose, design, and material being used. Most common garden walls are brick thick.

More Garden Tips to Explore

If you spend a lot of time in your garden or are interested in garden maintenance, these articles are perfect for you! Check them out:

1. Have you ever wondered what the best garden hose is? Well, wonder no more!
2. Weeds are the bane of a garden lover's existence. You need to know the best weed wacker to keep these pests at bay.
3. If you like to keep your outdoor spaces pristine with minimal effort, you need to know what the best lawn mower is for you!
4. It may be one of your smartest investments for your garden! Having the best expandable garden hose is essential to maintaining a perfect yard.

Conclusion

With a wide garden in a wall range available, your options for outdoor beautification and decorations are endless. Whether you're looking for garden retaining wall ideas, freestanding divider options, vertical gardens, or any other walling structure, you just need to find the most suitable for your space.

The post 4 Best Garden Walling Tips – Simple Ways To Make It Unique & Beautiful appeared first on The Golden.

via: Pexels / Max Vakhtbovych

Do you want to learn how to clean a glass oven? This post is just for you.

I've written tons of articles about home design and upkeep, so I know exactly how to clean your glass oven door. I know it must be frustrating always to see a dirty oven, so I will be teaching you the best way to clean oven glass today.

Let's go!

Contents

How To Clean Glass Oven (with Brown Stains)

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It's definitely empowering to be buying furniture and appliances for your home. If you love to cook and tinker around in the kitchen, you'll most likely purchase an oven. Stylish oven glass is essentially appealing to the look of an appliance and is a key focal point for a kitchen. An oven glass door provides a view inside the oven, ensures safety, controls temperature, and makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Sure enough, a clean oven window is a great sight in your kitchen. However, this is one of the first things that get dirty in this particular machine. The next ones would be the oven rack and floor. If you've got pesky brown stains on the oven door glass, I know it must be annoying and stressful to see them.

Unsightly brown stains are usually due to the accumulation of grease and food residue left uncleaned and stuck to the oven door. You should make it a habit to clean your oven regularly to prevent these gross stains on your glass oven doors. There isn't one magic eraser that can suddenly clean the inner glass of your oven. That's why we've got this helpful guide to rid your oven window of these stains.

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Step #1: Start a deep clean.

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I know you've already tried to use regular dish soap for your oven cleaning dilemma. However, a good deep clean is what you need to remove those brown stains on the oven door window finally. Open the oven door first, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove light stains. You can dry it off with a paper towel or a dry towel before proceeding to the next step.

Step #2: Use a homemade cleaning solution.

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If you want to avoid using a harsh chemical, you should try this cleaning solution first. Baking soda and white vinegar are effective cleaning agents that can help eliminate grease and unpleasant smells. To make the baking soda mix, take a half cup of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar and stir until you make a paste.

Spread the baking soda paste all over the oven door and leave it there for at least 20 minutes. Wipe it off with a damp sponge or a clean cloth, and spray the glass oven door with white vinegar and water mix.

Step #3: Try a store-bought cleaner if the homemade one doesn't work.

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You can also use commercial cleaning products to wipe off stubborn stains from the oven. You can try using an effective oven cleaner such as the Goo Gone Oven Cleaner or the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Once you find the glass cleaner that works for you, make sure you take note of it and purchase it in bulk next time.

Step #4: Make sure your oven is ready for cleaning before you start.

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Ensure that you didn't use the oven minutes ago so you won't accidentally burn yourself when attempting to clean it. Use a non-abrasive cleaning pad to clean the glass oven door. Never scrub the door too much, or it can damage the glass surface.

Step #5: Leave no stone unturned.

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Don’t forget to clean all sides of the glass door. You can remove the door by unscrewing it, then clean everything before putting the door back in place. Put some support underneath while removing the glass door so it won't crash on the floor.

Step #6: Don't forget about the oven racks!

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You must also remember that your oven has racks you need to clean. The products and solutions mentioned above can also be used as grill cleaner. Clean oven racks are just as important as clean oven windows.

Make sure to get in there and really scrape off those food bits from the oven racks.

Step #7: Clean the glass top too!

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Brands like GE Appliances and Electrolux make some of the best-rated oven ranges with glass stovetops. While you're cleaning, you also have to extend your effort to the glass stove. The easiest way to keep your stove clean is to wipe it down with a microfiber cloth after every use.

Get yourself a sharp razor blade if you want to deep clean it. I know it sounds dangerous, but trust me, it works. Spray vinegar onto the stove surface to loosen the burnt-on food. Then, hold the blade as flat as possible against the stove.

Make sure you lightly scrape at the residue using uniform pressure. Remember, this is a glass top stove. You have to minimize scratches by being gentle with the blade. Once you have removed all the gunk, use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any removed material.

via: The Golden

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cleaning appliances can be a chore but is a must if you want to keep them looking shiny and brand-new all the time. You can enjoy cooking more with squeaky-clean kitchen appliances, including your oven. If you need some more help with cleaning a glass oven, here are a few frequently asked questions to guide you.

Can I steam-clean an oven?

Yes, you can. Steam is a natural cleaning tool that works wonders on all sorts of surfaces, including oven interiors. There are two major methods that can steam clean your oven. You can either put a pot full of water inside your oven and then heat it up for 20-30 minutes or use a household steam cleaner.

How often should you clean your oven?

You should clean it the more you use it. Plan to clean your oven every two weeks if you always use it for cooking large family dinners, as spilled food and odors mean you need to clean your oven more often.

Which homemade cleaner works best?

The baking soda and vinegar paste would be your best bet. Some people like to put lemon rind and rosemary sprigs in the paste for more efficient cleaning. The Goo Gone Oven Cleaner is my best recommendation if you want to try a commercial cleaner.

What are the things that I shouldn't use to clean my oven?

Don't use chemical-based cleaners in self-cleaning ovens. Read your oven manual to identify compatible commercial products if you'd rather buy than make an oven cleanser. Chemical-based cleaners are safe for use in certain conventional ovens but not in self-cleaning ovens, where they might erode the special enamel coating.

More Helpful Articles to Read

If you have a knack for cleaning, you're going to get a kick out of our other guides for cleaning up your home. Here are a few more helpful articles for your cleaning spree this weekend:

1. Can't get rid of those pesky marks on your bathroom floors or shelves? If you want to know how to clean bathroom surfaces without fail, this guide is perfect for you.
2. I know how I get when my windows get dirty. That's why I'm recommending this guide that has the best way to clean windows in your home.
3. It's a stressful chore to clean your mattress, especially since it's a big and heavy thing that you can't just run through the faucet. Here, we've got the most effective mattress cleaner for you to save you all that trouble.

Conclusion

You now know how to clean a glass oven. Congratulations!

Keeping your appliances clean can be simple, as long as you know all the basic tricks to do it. You will no longer have to trouble yourself on how to clean your glass oven door because these techniques will help you be the oven master when it comes to cleaning.

The best way to clean oven glass is already inked on your mind, right? The next time you see gunk or residue on your oven, you'll know what to do. Good luck!

The post How To Clean Glass Oven - 7 Epic Tips For Your Next Cleaning Day Mood appeared first on The Golden.