12 Gorgeous Flower Garden Ideas To Add To Your Home

12 Gorgeous Flower Garden Ideas To Add To Your Home

Flower gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby, especially if you know how to do it right. You can use beautiful flower garden ideas to create an amazing backyard oasis that will impress everyone who sees it. These beautiful flowers help you express yourself in ways you never thought possible. All it takes is a little creativity to show your personality through these amazing flower garden ideas. Here are some ideas that can help you start this amazing hobby.

1. Consider Large Garden Areas

Many flower garden ideas are perfect for smaller spaces, but consider planting something other than flowers if you have a large backyard area. If you’re looking for an easy way to create an impressive look that’s also functional, go with ornamental grasses or evergreen trees. These plants are great year-round and require very little maintenance over time.


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Choose two contrasting colors and one color family, such as purple or pink. You can then add perennial flowering plants in groups of three to five, and you’ll have an eye-catching flower. Make sure you carry out regular weeding because today’s weed might be tomorrow’s weed patch.

2. Create an Edible Flower Garden

Create an Edible Flower Garden
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If your goal is to create a garden as an outdoor kitchen, consider making a dedicated flower bed for herbs and vegetables. If possible, flower gardens should be beautiful and delicious. Vegetables will get a huge boost in productivity with the flowers available when pollinators are drawn to nectar-rich planting beds.

Edible plants such as tomato, squash, and cucumber will blossom in such flower garden beds. In addition, the beneficial insects that rely on floral nectaries will help control vegetable pests, thus, reducing the use of pesticides.  You can get ideas on types of squash to grow here so you know which one can work for your flower garden.

3. Plant Flowering Plants on Trellis

Trellises and topiary create focal points in the garden, especially when consistent color and style. When creating an edible flower garden, place trellises along walkways and at the edges of beds to lead visitors through the garden and to help keep plants upright as they grow. Make sure you define borders against which to plant flowers of varying heights.

They provide support for climbing vines such as morning glory, cucumber, and sweet potato, and vertical growing flowers such as clematis. Trellises also provide structure for flowering vines that may not need support, like the passion vine. You may also trellis-filling vine in one season from seed with morning glory and moon vine.

The passion vine can climb up an arbor or trellis to create a lush canopy of green leaves. Passion flower blooms are attractive to bees, which adds to the benefit of an edible garden. Gloxinias, petunias, and their foliage can also bring beauty to your trellis.

4. Combination of Bogs and Rain Gardens

Brighten that soggy spot in your backyard with a rain garden or bog garden. And when planning a bog garden, consider plants that love both full sun and wet soil. Flowering plants that thrive in bog gardens include candelabra primrose, cardinal flower, and yellow iris and leopard plants.

You can also introduce fun and funky in your wet by including carnivorous pitcher plants. Make sure your garden rain never dries out. A natural bog garden will be replenished by rainfall, but a dry spell hits; ensure you help it out with a hose.

If you see frogs, salamanders and turtles, know that a bog environment is present, so use it to plant some rain garden plants. If you don’t have a natural depression that collects water, create your own by sinking a plastic kiddie into the ground. You can use pond liner to create a bog garden as long as you disguise the edges with rocks and fill the bottom with peat moss and sand.

5. Consider Flower Garden Paths

When you think of your garden, do you see only the flowers that need to be planted? A flower garden is perfect for an area where you can walk through and view the various blooms. If your current yard doesn’t have one existing place, design a path with bricks or stones, so everyone has easy access.

Consider Flower Garden Paths
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But keep in mind that you’ll need to choose flowers that can handle foot traffic. A flower garden path should comfortably accommodate a wheelbarrow and a cart with room to turn around. Make sure you mulch your plant beds as much as possible to keep them flourishing.

6. Butterfly Flower Garden Ideas

The butterfly garden works especially well near a porch or patio area. Butterflies love water, so add a small pond, and you’ll be treated to the sight of not only butterflies but frogs and lizards as well. However, some beautiful flowers may fall flat when it comes to attracting butterflies.

Butterfly Flower Garden Ideas
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Some butterflies are designed to extract nectar from particular flower shapes, meaning that some blooms sound like the dinner bell while others miss the mark. Even though butterflies love bright colors, it’s important to include flowers with rich nectar stores easily accessible in shallow flowers.

Butterflies and other pollinators will stay in your garden throughout summer as long as you include seasonal blooms in your garden. This is because their food sources are usually most plentiful when the weather is hottest, and most plants bloom during springtime or summer.

Butterflies will truly thrive with a combination of butterfly-friendly flowers, annuals, and perennials, which they can land on for rest periods between nectar-feeding sessions.

7. Combining Tulips with Annuals and Perennials

Create a harmonious arrangement with this amazing flower garden idea. Extend your garden blooms with tulips, annuals, and perennials that will come back each year with less maintenance. Make sure you space out your flowers so that tulips stand taller than your shorter, low-growing annuals and perennials.

When winters are cold, your tulips will return for several years but won’t survive when grown in warmer, moist climates. A flower garden bed with a blend of red and yellow tulips will make the whole bed look amazing.

Create that festive effect in a mixed flower bed by planting clear, primary tulips. Daylily, catnap, salvia, and bells of Ireland are some of the great tulip companions, and once you should reconsider when recreating a gorgeous full flower garden bed.

8. Pallet Flower Garden Ideas

Flowers that provide color with the way you want the artwork to appear are a good start for any design. For example, mixed white and yellow flowers will provide interest for your garden whether you want a spring or summer look. The tulips will be particularly appealing in beds where most flowers are filled with one particular shade.

If you have a lot of flowers of the same style, plants with distinctive features will draw attention. Choose something really small tulip for this circumstance. Chives will certainly give you an option to create a variety of patterns by simply including or eliminating plants from your flower bed.

9. Recycled Rubber Tires Flower Garden Ideas

You can never go wrong with turning your old tires into a garden ornament. Rubber tires are tough and long-lasting, making them fantastic materials for your yard or business’s landscape design. This reclaimed rubber tire flower garden idea is a great way to recycle old tires while beautifying the area at the same moment.

Recycled Rubber Tires Flower Garden Ideas
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If you have an old bike lying around, make use of its tire as well. If you have some scrap tires lying around, turn them into a flower garden. This will not only make your lawn look good but will also help you avoid worrying about tires taking your space or disposing of them.

10. Potted Flower Garden Ideas

There’s nothing more pleasant than a stunning potted flower garden in the backyard. So take your time and plan it well so you can enjoy it for many years to come. When it comes to convenience, nothing beats flowers planted in clay pots and half buried in a bed of gravel.

Potted Flower Garden Ideas 
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It doesn’t have to be complicated – using a simple pot will also do the trick. You can also bring in some hanging baskets if you have a nice outdoor space for them. To achieve a harmonious and colorful look, choose a different flower for each pot. Round your flower bed with pots.

A circle of purple, white, red, and white striped Bizzy lizzies spread out from the pine ringed by stonecrop, moss, and pots of pink and white Bizzy lizzies. And if you want to enjoy the view from your home or balcony, consider adding some cascading plants, vines, or grasses, which will make it look like an entry from fairy tales. Add in some wooden trellis and little lights too to complete the look.

11. Formal Flower Garden Ideas

Of course, the clean lines and tidy layout of a formal garden will provide a respite from the stresses of modernity. Adding some flowers on top of that grass and well-cut boxwood shrubs will be the finishing touch to the garden’s look. You can stick one or two flower varieties in the formal garden.

Lavender, roses, tulips, hydrangeas, and salvia are a few things that you can use in your formal garden. You can mass the flowers around a central fountain, use them to edge paths, and fill in geometric hedge plantings with blooms.

12. Flowering Cottage Flower Garden Ideas

You can turn your cottage garden into plant beds with the help of perennials, ornamental grasses, and flowering shrubs. Roses, lavender, cosmos flowers, lilies, snapdragons, and hydrangeas are among some of the plants that you might use to make up your cottage flower garden.

Grasses like colorful ornamental rye can be used as a ground cover to fill in spaces between other flowering plants. Perennials like bleeding heart, lupines, black-eyed Susan, and daylilies are among the many types of flowering perennials that you could use for your cottage garden.

FAQs about Beautiful Flower Garden Ideas

How do you lay out a flower bed plant?

Arrange border plants with plants taller than 2 to 3 feet tall, then place them in the back with the mild-size plants from 10 inches to 2 to 3 feet tall in the middle. After that, layout shorter plants in the front of the bed. It’s also best to use groupings and drifts of plants for a natural feel.

How do you plant a flower garden for a beginner?

First, make sure you remove the weeds and amend the soil. If it’s a new bed, put down a layer of landscape fabric to block weeds and top with six inches or more garden soil and topsoil. If your area doesn’t receive much sun, you can consider growing shade-loving flowers as they blossom in such areas.

Final Thought on Beautiful Flower Garden Ideas

Build your corner of paradise by adding different types of flowers in your backyard. You can enjoy your backyard for gardening, spending time with your loved ones, or just relaxing.

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Carpet vs Hardwood Flooring Comparison

Carpet vs Hardwood Flooring Comparison

When it comes to home interior design, there are many options available. However, you’ll need to make the right choice to get the best results.  There are several types of flooring that can be used for your house interior design, but carpeting and hardwood are the most popular ones.

We’ve created this guide on carpeting vs hardwood flooring so that you can learn what factors may affect your decision when choosing between these types of flooring for your home interiors. So, if you’re replacing your floors and wondering how to choose between carpeting vs hardwood flooring, don’t worry. This article is for you.

Sustainability

Carpets

Modern carpets are created by threading closely spaced loops of synthetic fibers through large sheets of backing material. There are also some natural fiber carpets made out of cotton and wool. Most carpets come in synthetic materials, and they’re manufactured in huge rolls where they can be bought in any quantity.


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Hardwood Floor

Modern hardwood flooring comes in one of two forms. There is solid hardwood flooring, which boasts of solid wood that is milled from rough lumber from felled hardwood trees. The boards are smoothly sanded on the top surface and are left slightly rough at the bottom.

Another hardwood flooring form is known as engineered hardwood flooring. This is the most economical type of modern wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring has the same tongue and groove construction and can be installed the same way as solid hardwood floors.

ppearance

Carpet

Appearance is another big difference between hardwood flooring and carpet. Both hardwood and carpet flooring comes in several styles that can meet any interior design, but carpet offers variety in color, texture, and feel. While there’s a substantial difference between hardwood and carpeted floors, carpets are more available in wood-like, making them more decorative.

The great thing about carpet is that you can choose any color, making it a very versatile flooring choice as you can mix and match colors and shades based on other design choices in your room.

Hardwood

The look of hardwood flooring is easily recognizable, and its main appeal is natural wood tone colors and the appealing pattern of wood’s grain. Hardwood flooring creates a bold statement, and that’s why it’s called the prestige in flooring. When it comes to appearance, your style and the style of your house will determine the best flooring option.

Cleanliness and Care

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is easy to care for and maintain with regular cleanups. This flooring type doesn’t require deep cleaning too often. While cleaning hardwood floors, it’s advisable not to use liquid cleaning products as these can warp and damage the natural fibers that make up the floorboards.

Hardwood Flooring
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It’s also easier to spot dirt on hardwood floors than carpet floors, making it easier to notice when your floors need a wipe and a good cleaning. Hardwood floor cleanings include sweeping and vacuuming with a hardwood vac to maintain its appearance and condition. Periodic damp mopping with the wood cleaner will also remove deeper dirt and most stains.

Carpet

Cleaning carpet flooring seems daunting because stains can soak and settle permanently on the surface. To prevent stains, turn your rug over once a week to let the other side be exposed to sunlight and air for a day. Not doing so can create a musty smell forming on dark spots in your carpet, especially if you have pets at home.

Carpet
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Wipe spills immediately using a clean cloth with warm water or a commercially available solution. Regular vacuuming can also help get rid of dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens. If left without vacuuming, these elements can get stuck in the carpet fibers causing unpleasant odors.

Durability and Maintenance

When considering the durability of your hardwood flooring vs carpet, there are different things that you must consider. Don’t only concentrate on the lifespan of the flooring type, but consider the impact of your daily life on it. Factors such as foot traffic, your habits, visitors, and pets will greatly influence the durability of your flooring.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood is a durable material that can last 50 to 60 years if properly maintained. But they’re also more expensive in most cases. When evaluating cost, consider the initial price of the wood flooring and its installation and maintenance costs over time. Think about how much it costs to refinish hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring will also last longer if you care for it properly, both by taking good care of it and making sure that you clean up spills quickly. Hardwood floors can also warp when exposed to too much liquid and can dent and scratch from furniture movement and shoe traffic.

Carpet Flooring

Carpet is a more forgiving floor type. As long as you deal with spills immediately and frequent vacuuming, you won’t have to worry about dents and scratches. However, carpeting still does need occasional professional upkeep, such as cleaning and re-stretching. Occasional professional cleaning service can also extend the life of your carpet.

The best flooring type for durability and maintenance is hardwood flooring because it is made to last and does not need any professional upkeep. Even if you do manage to inflict some damage, hardwood flooring can be refinished or patched, unlike carpeting which has to be completely replaced when damage is done.

Cost and Installation of Carpet and Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood

Professionals usually do hardwood flooring installation because of its weight and intricacy. You will need to foot the bill for this aspect of the project, too, as well as for upkeep in general. A DIY installation can save you money and time, but it can cause you some additional cost if not properly installed.

Hardwood
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Fortunately, solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring products are pre-finished in the factory, but you’ll have to pay more to have them pre-finished. Solid hardwood floor costs start at around $4 per square foot and go up from there. And on average, hardwood floors cost about $8 per square installed.

Carpet

Installation of carpeting can be done yourself or by a professional at your request. Carpet padding is about an inch thick, and if you purchase high-quality padding, it will last the life of your carpet. It will cushion your feet from bumps in the floor and keep the carpet fibers uniform and neat-looking.

Carpet
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The most convenient flooring for cost and installation is carpet flooring because it can be pulled back to install underlayment for hardwood flooring. It’s also cost-effective compared to hardwood flooring.

For example, perfectly acceptable carpeting may be available for less than $1 per square foot installed. The cost can also run as high as $20 per square foot.On average, most carpets purchased at home centers cost about $3 per square foot, while solid hardwood flooring starts at around $4 to $8 per square foot installed. Also, the cost of professional installation is higher on hardwood floors.

Resale Value

Hardwood

Most homeowners prefer having hard flooring surfaces such as hardwood and ceramic tiles because they’re easy to clean and tend to hide flaws the best. Even estate agents agree that when it comes to carpet or hardwood flooring, hardwood is likely to increase the resale value of your home. Hardwood is a natural material and is much longer-lasting than carpet.

Carpet

Carpeting tends to wear down over time and may show signs such as wrinkles, spots and footprints after a few years of use. All these tend to lower the resale value of the property which you’re trying to sell. Also, new carpet can also lead to home improvement than an old carpet.

They could also be a turn-off for potential homebuyers who’d rather have hardwood that’s clean and in good condition. Therefore, the flooring type with the best resale value is hardwood flooring. Hardwood resale value wins even when you ask real estate agents in the market.

Radiant Flooring

Both carpets and hardwood floors can be installed with radiant heating. And because of the insulating properties, you must be careful when choosing both carpet and radiant heat systems that can work together. In some cases, you may need to set the radiant heat system higher for the carpet to warm sufficiently.

On the other hand, hardwoods work with many radiant heat systems because they transmit heat with little loss. But it’s not recommended to use radiant floor heating under a plank wider than three inches.

Environmental Impact

Carpet

Some natural carpets such as wool have less impact on the environment than synthetic carpeting. Wool and other natural fibers are renewable and biodegradable. Furthermore, most synthetic carpets are made from petroleum which is not renewable and is a non-biodegradable material.

They can break down unevenly, releasing volatile organic compounds as they age. The downside of natural fibers is that they cannot be recycled, and when disposed of in landfills, they will take a very long time to decompose.

Hardwood Flooring

If you’re concerned about the environment and want renewable flooring, then hardwood flooring is your best option. Hardwood is a renewable material, especially if you ensure responsible harvesting and planting of trees.

Homeowners who are looking for more sustainable flooring material can look to hardwood flooring as their best option. Most hardwoods are also recyclable, which means they won’t sit in landfills for decades.

Water and Heat Resistance

Carpet

The synthetic fiber materials used in most modern carpets make them highly resistant to water damage. It’s also important to prevent water from seeping down into carpet padding, which can cause mold and mildew growth. This is especially important with groundwater damage from flooding or leaky roofs.

Additionally, tile carpets can be damaged by heat, such as burning cigarettes and hot pans. Some carpet materials can also emit toxic gases if a serious home fire ignites.

Hardwood Flooring

Wood flooring is not recommended in any location with constant water and moisture. It’s also not recommended for below-grade installation against a concrete slab because contact with concrete can cause swelling. Wood flooring materials also emit formaldehyde gas over time. However, engineered wood flooring may be stable to water and moisture.

Engineered hardwood flooring has a moisture barrier to stop water from seeping into the subfloor before it ever reaches your main joists below. You can also install engineered hardwood flooring directly against concrete slabs that are dry and free of cracks or joints where water could infiltrate.

Comfort and Sound

Carpet

With its soft fibers and insulating pad, carpeting is more comfortable to walk on than hardwood floors. High-pile carpeting is soft and thick underfoot, while lower-pile carpeting feels more like an even surface. Carpet can be made from various materials, including nylon, wool, cotton or synthetic fibers.

The sound absorption of carpet comes from the insulating pad underneath the carpet fibers, but that means the carpet is better at trapping sound inside the house.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are loud compared to carpet, especially when installed on the upper levels; the people below will hear footsteps and other sounds from above. The hardwood floors amplify the sound of children running on the upper levels because it’s a harder surface with no insulation capabilities.

Hardwood floors are less comfortable underfoot, but they have a timeless elegance that carpeting can’t match. Also, since hardwood floors are laid in strips, any surface imperfections can be covered up with a strip of wood over the problem area or damp mopped to free the particles.

FAQs on Carpet and Hardwood Flooring Comparison

Which type of flooring is suitable in an active environment?

High-quality carpets can sustain high foot traffic if you keep them level and smooth to avoid irregular wear.

Which one is the warmer flooring type?

Carpeting is warmer than wood flooring, but only when the carpet is not glued directly onto concrete. Wood floors, on the other hand, allow cold air to move through between individual boards.

Final Thoughts on Carpet vs Hardwood Flooring Comparison

As you can see, there’re many factors you need to consider when choosing between carpet and hardwood flooring. The answer on which one is better depends heavily on your particular situation, budget, and taste.

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What Are Safflower Seeds?

What Are Safflower Seeds?

Birds are essential to the natural ecosystem, but they need food and water. They’re also a great addition to any garden, as they help in pollination and seed dispersal. However, it can be hard to attract specific birds to your farm if you don’t know their dietary needs.

There’s no need for you to worry anymore. Safflower seeds have everything that birds need. Often confused with sunflower seed, safflower is more unique and is a rarer type of bird food offered at bird feeders.

Thanks to their great nutrition, they’re a useful and uncommon type of bird seed that birds eat, making them popular among backyard birders. If you want to ensure that your garden is filled with beautiful songbirds every season of the year, why not try using safflower seeds?

What is Safflower Seed?

Safflower seed is the seed of the annual safflower plant known as Carthamus tinctorius. This herbaceous annual is in the same family as sunflowers and thistles—safflower seed blooms in red, orange, and yellow with some scruffy foliage.


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Safflower seeds prefer arid climates with seasonal rainfall, and the safflower crops are mostly grown for the oil of the seeds and the dyes of the plant. With its growing cultivation, backyard birders are discovering the value and usefulness of this seed.

These seeds are slightly smaller than sunflower seeds as birdseed, but they’re similar in their tapered shape. It has white seeds and is high in protein, fat, and fiber. These nutritional properties make safflower seed a great addition to any bird feeding station.

Birds that Eat Safflower Seeds

Many of the smaller-eating birds feed on safflower. Also, birds with stronger bills familiar with black oil sunflower seed will happily eat safflower seed. They include:

Blue jaysDowny woodpeckersIndigo buntingsNorthern cardinalsCarolina chickadeesMourning dovesBlack-headed grosbeaksHouse finchesEvening grosbeaksPurple finchesBlack-capped chickadees

Some birds may break open the hulls immediately to enjoy the seed meat, while others may cache safflower seeds. Safflower seeds have a bitter taste and different shape than any other birdseed. Birds such as grackles, European starlings, and blackbirds will not eat safflower seed.

This bitter flavor makes them an ideal addition to feeding stations where the bully birds might dominate. It discourages these birds from emptying the tray feeders. Many squirrels will also leave these bird feeders alone. Baffles and other squirrel-proof bird feeders are still wise precautions as fast-footed squirrels may leap onto the tray feeder and scarf down the safflower seed.

How to Feed Safflower Seeds

It can be challenging to offer safflower seeds to backyard birds. At first, the bird may be hesitant to take the seeds, especially if sunflowers are available. Alternatively, you can offer safflower seeds in the larger hopper, tube, and platform feeders. Tossing seed on the ground near shrubby, sheltered areas is also a good way to provide it to the ground feeding birds such as doves and quail.

How to Feed Safflower Seeds
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Mixing two seeds is also a good way to offer safflower, such as mixing it with black oil sunflower and gradually increasing the ratio of safflower to sunflower seeds. This way, some birds will not notice that they are receiving a new type of seed.

How to Introduce a New Feeder to Backyard Birds

As with most other bird seed types, there are many ways you can offer safflower to birds. These include a finch feeder, squirrel-proof bird feeders, or other hanging tube feeders. Since safflower comes in a clear shell, birds can see the seed from above, which will entice them to take it from the feeder.

When purchasing safflower seeds, purchase a larger amount of seed than what you usually give to the birds, as they will take some time to get used to it. Introducing safflower gradually is the key to success.

Where to Purchase Seeds

Safflower is available in most garden centers, but it is also available online. These seeds are not often available in the bird feeding sections in grocery stores and large retailers, but you can also get them in pet and wild bird stores.

How to Plant the Perfect Birdseed Garden

It’s possible to grow safflowers as part of a birdseed garden and allow these seed-bearing flowers to go to seed before harvesting them. Plant safflower seeds in sunny, well-drained areas and use minimal water since they perform best in arid climates and dry conditions. These are great alternatives to backyard feeders, especially if bully birds often overrun your feeders.

How to Plant the Perfect Birdseed Garden
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How to Store Safflower Seeds

Safflower seeds can be stored for up to five years if kept in a cool, dry place. The best storage container is one that’s airtight and able to keep moisture out. Airtight bags or jars work well for this, as does an old coffee can with a sealed lid. Safflower seeds also freeze well, so you can double bag the seeds and keep them in your freezer for later.

dvantages of Offering Safflower Seeds at Your Bird Feeder

They offer a good level of fat and protein These seed types are relatively cheap and are sold cheaply in bulkYou can easily grow them in your gardenThey’re ideal to use when you want to eliminate those bully birds from your gardenIt can be bought in several ways, including the entire safflower seed bags, in a bird’s seed mix bag, and a safflower seed cylinder

Disadvantages of Safflower Seeds

They can leave behind some when the white shells are crackedNot all birds will appreciate these seeds, so you may need to offer other seed types besides safflower seeds

FAQs on Safflower Seeds

What is the importance of safflower seed?

Safflower seed oil can be used to prevent heart diseases, including hardening of arteries and stroke. It can treat various conditions such as fever, tumor, cough, breathing problems, chest pain, and traumatic injuries.

Final Thought on Safflower Seeds

As nutritional as these seeds are, it is important that you shop for the best safflower seeds. And the more you understand this seed, the more easily you’ll help your birds adapt to new food while minimizing the seed lost to over-aggressive species and feeder pests. While you feed the precious birds with safflower seeds, also remember to learn how to care for the baby birds so they can grow healthy and happy.

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Feng Shui Tips for a Bed Aligned with the Door

Feng Shui Tips for a Bed Aligned with the Door

You’ve just moved into a new home, and you’re looking for some Feng Shui tips to help improve your health. The first thing you’re probably learning is how to feng shui your bedroom and the bed becomes the first priority in this. The bed is a very important piece of furniture in your home because it represents you. A bed aligned with the door is one of those bedroom Feng shui mistakes that can affect your energy flow.

This mistake may cause illness, bad luck, or even relationship problems. Therefore, your bed placement affects you in your conscious and unconscious states. This article will give you some tips on how to handle a bed aligned with the door based on good Feng Shui principles so that your bedroom would be a more peaceful and healthier place to stay in every day.

Commanding Position

In Feng Shui, you need to place the bed using the principle of commanding position. Your bed should be located where you can see the door to the bedroom when lying. Your bed shouldn’t be directly in line with the door. According to the command position principle, place your bed diagonal from the door.


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If you can’t be in the commanding position, don’t worry. You can correct the bed by using a mirror. Place the mirror in a place where you can see the reflection of the door when you’re in bed.

Place the Bed in Relationship to Doors and Windows

A door and a window facing each other in a bedroom can drain its energy. Avoid sleeping with your bed located between two doors or windows. If your room size is limited, make sure the windows are towards the side of the building rather than front or back, where you get more sun exposure, especially sunrise and sunset rays. The best position for your bed is facing the door.

Place the Bed in Relationship to Doors and Windows
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Avoid having your feet pointing straight out the door. This is known as coffin position. You can also call it the bed-facing door superstition. If the only place for your bed is in line with your door, that is the coffin position, you can still correct it. You can hang a faceted Feng Shui crystal ball halfway between the door and the bed.

Place Headboard Against a Solid Wall

Make sure the headboard of your bed is against a solid wall rather than an open space. This means that you should be supported from the back. Avoid placing your bed with the headboard in the middle of the room. Do not also let the whole bed float in the middle of the room. A headboard facing away from the main door can create a placement problem with different consequences of chi.

The wall behind you is very important because you’ll need it to support yourself. Additionally, avoid windows behind the head of the bed, especially if you’re on the ground floor or have eye issues. Make sure you have a solid bed behind you and not a window.

Consider Beams, Soffits and Sloped Ceilings

For the best bed placement, make sure your roof beams are above you or do not block them. If there are beams, they should be short and fluffy so as not to cause a problem. It is best if they’re just below the ceiling because it can still be a distraction when lying down.

The area above your bed should be free of beams, soffits, and sloped ceilings. These architectural features above your bed can create unnecessary pressure. If you can’t avoid these features, use the drape fabric to conceal the ceiling feature. If it is not a large beam and soffit, blend the feature into the ceiling by painting it the same color. This will make the dropped ceiling areas less oppressive.

Locate Your Bed Away from the Toilet Wall

Toilet walls are not usually the best place to sit on your bed. The vibration and flow of chi energy are much too powerful. This can cause lots of problems with sleeping if you have your head against the toilet wall, so be sure to position your bed away from this area.

Locate Your Bed Away from the Toilet Wall
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Consider the Space on Both Sides of the Bed

If it’s an adult bedroom, you should have open space on the left and right sides of the bed. A good chi recommends not to place your bed with one side up against the wall.

Bed and Bathroom Door Placement

The main bedroom door is a primary concern when placing your bed in the room but don’t overlook other doors. The placement of your bed and the location of your master bedroom’s bathroom door can create very uncomfortable chi problems. Generally, it is not good to place a bed in such a way that the headboard is next to or placed directly in front of the doorway unless you plan on doing some yoga stretching exercises every morning upon waking.

In Feng Shui, bathrooms are a place from which energy leaves the house. If your bed must face the bathroom door, make you close both the bathroom door and bedroom door. You can hang a mirror on the inside of the door facing the bathroom. The mirror will reflect any negative energy leaving the bathroom back into it.

void Electromagnetics in Your Bedroom

Avoid placing your bed next to any electrical sockets or cables, especially those connected directly to the wall. If you tend to watch television in bed, it is best not to have an electrical socket located behind the television. Also, keep electronic devices such as alarm clocks, wireless phones, and printers at least one foot away from where your head will lie every night.

If you must have that TV set in your room, cover it before you sleep. The same goes for laptops and phones. For you to have a good night’s sleep, these electronic devices should not emit radiation near your body.

The congested electrical wires all over the house is also another bad feng shui in the bedroom. Try to put them away or at least cover them up. You shouldn’t also have a desk in your bedroom to optimize the space for good chi.

Choose Restful Art

The artwork in your bedroom will speak a lot about your private life. If you’re looking to attract your partner and still keep things in line with your taste, the artwork you place in your room shouldn’t depict solo persons or objects.

When practicing Feng Shui with artwork in your room, there should be an element of a pair of pieces. Save family photos for other rooms and not your bedroom. Keep the artwork up at eye level. You can also take it higher to increase life force energy. Also, consider perfect colors that match your feng shui bedroom. You can choose the perfect feng shui front door color and make sure you don’t go wrong with anything.

Detoxify and Declutter Your Bedroom Feng Shui

Detoxifying your bedroom is very important because it will help get rid of chemicals and toxic elements from your bedroom and replace them with organic ones. A good start is to use green products and non-toxic cleaning products. Infusing your room with some sweet orange oil can bring good energy and make the room smell a little bit nicer.

Detoxify and Declutter Your Bedroom Feng Shui
Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Start with the clutter under the bed because it may affect you while sleeping by causing subconscious blocks in your life. A good Feng Shui is to clear the space under the bed so that the energy can flow freely.

FAQs on Feng Shui Tips for Handling a Bed Aligned with the Door

How can you protect yourself if the bed faces the door?

If you find yourself sleeping directly opposite the bedroom door, you can use a floatboard. If you feel trapped by the floatboard, you can create a shield by placing your chest at the end of your bed filled with heavy blankets or a low screen between the bed and the door.

Which way should your bed face Feng Shui?

According to Feng Shui, you can position your bed in different positions and still enjoy it. Your bed can face East, South East, West, North West, and South West. If your bed faces west, you can create the best condition for a good night’s sleep.

Final Thought on Feng Shui Tips for Handling a Bed Aligned with the Door

As you can see, Feng Shui is an ancient practice designed to enhance your well-being and life based on the alignment of particular arrangements and objects around your house or workplace. Try to implement Feng Shui to manage your room’s energy and transform your well-being and life for the better.

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How to Apply Polyurethane for Floors

How to Apply Polyurethane for Floors

Wood floors are beautiful, but they can get damaged easily. This is why you should know how to apply polyurethane to floors correctly. Polyurethane is a very important part of the flooring process because it protects your hardwood from scratches and other damages.

But if you don’t apply it correctly, your efforts will be useless. If you want to learn everything about this topic, keep reading our article.

Follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply polyurethane for floors correctly using the right products and tools. This way, you can be sure that your hardwood flooring will look great with minimal effort on your part.

What You’ll Need

Mineral spiritsWhite vinegarContainer or canNatural bristle brushOil-based polyurethaneWater-based polyurethaneBreathing and synthetic protectionPainter’s tapePaint tray and linersVacuum machineSander machineCutting padMixing stickRoller padGrit sandpaperSteel woolClean clothsPolyurethanePaint brush

Choose the Type of Polyurethane

You can choose water-based polyurethane if your floors are natural color or oil-based polyurethane if your floor has been stained or finished. Water-based polyurethane is the way to go if you’re hoping to complete the project within one day. Oil-based polyurethane tends to be less expensive than water-based, but it takes more prep work and time to complete the job.

Water-based polyurethane looks milky and dries to a clear finish, while oil-based adds a deeper hue to the existing color of the floor. Oil-based also has a strong odor and takes longer to dry.

Make Sure You Have a Well-Ventilated Working Area

One of the most important steps to follow when applying polyurethane is to have a well-ventilated working area. If you plan on applying several coats, it’s best to use a room with a large open window and a fan. Put on proper protective equipment before applying polyurethane.

Make sure your windows are open and use window fans to circulate fresh air throughout the room. Open your doors to allow the smell of polyurethane to escape

Prepare the Floor by Sanding

Lightly sand down rough surface on your wood floor. Sanding down your hardwood flooring is very important because it gives the new coat of polyurethane a nice smooth surface that will allow the finish to adhere. Sweep and mop your floors before sanding; you don’t want sawdust in between coats.


Image caption: https://www.thespruce.com/

If possible, try not to use a hose or power washer to clean your floor as it can damage wood grain and cause water damage to a floor. You might not even know it is damaged. Allow the wood flooring to dry before continuing. Start sanding while considering the condition of your floor.

Rent a sanding machine and use the machine’s user manual to guide you. If your floors are severely damaged, and you want to change the color completely, sand down the wood to bare wood.

On the other hand, you can screen and recoat with polyurethane without sanding down the flooring, but make sure you remove any glue or residue left on the floors. Wipe down your room with a tack cloth to pick up sawdust. Allow your hardwood to dry completely while sanding.

Vacuum Your Floor

The sanding process can kick up a lot of sawdust, so start this step by using a shop vacuum cleaner to carefully suck up the debris. Use a vacuum machine to clean all the dust and unwanted particles from the floor. Carefully clean all corners so that small objects like hair and cotton balls don’t cause a problem later.

Cleaning is very important as it will leave you with a beautiful topcoat. So, after vacuuming, use white vinegar and water to wipe down your floor. Remember to turn on the fan to let the room dry quickly. This will enable your wooden floor to become stronger and more flexible.

Make sure you clean all the edges and corners properly, as this is a major part of the wooden floor. Make sure you use a white vinegar and water solution and also a mop. Don’t forget to wear your gloves while using this product.

Once it’s clean, use a dry cloth to wipe down all remnants of cleaners on your floor. You can then use a hairdryer to make sure there’s no moisture left on the floor. If you’re applying water-based polyurethane, make sure you stain your wooden flooring before applying the polyurethane.

Wipe Down the Surface by Mineral Spirits

After vacuuming, use mineral spirits or paint thinner to wipe down the surface. Apply it with a lint-free cloth, let this dry completely and make sure there are no streaks left behind on your flooring. This will remove all the remaining debris and dust.

Make sure you wipe the entire floor as you pay much attention to cracks and crevices to remove all oil and dust particles. After wiping, allow it to dry fully before coating it with polyurethane. You can find mineral spirits in the paint-and-primer section of home improvement stores, hardware stores, and superstores in your area.

Protect Your Baseboards with Masking Tape

If you have wooden baseboards in your home, make sure to protect them from the overspray of polyurethane when painting your floor with masking tape. This tape will help keep any polyurethane from getting on the baseboards when projecting it onto the floor’s surface. To stick the tape to the wall, just run a wet rag along the surface.

Mix Your Polyurethane

Mixing your polyurethane will help you achieve a durable coating. You can use a big jar or can to get your polyurethane liquid in one container. Pouring all your liquid in one container will help them mix better than in separate containers.

Use a stirrer or paint stick to remove all lumps of polyurethane before application. A stick will help you get all the layers, so there aren’t any shades of color on your floor. Keep stirring until your entire mixture is even and smooth. Your container should also be large enough to be able to mix it without spilling or making a mess.

After all, you wouldn’t want to run out of liquid before applying the liquid in your entire room. When you’re done mixing, shake your can of polyurethane, then pour it on a paint tray.

pplying the Polyurethane

Apply the first coat using a paint brush or painter’s pad. You can also use a bristle brush but not lambswool applicator or foam pads. These tools leave it hard to remove streaks, so be sure to use a good brush when applying polyurethane. Don’t make your layers too thick; they should be about 1/16 of an inch or less.

Use a bristle brush to coat all the corners and edges of your floor. You can use a very thin, light coat on these areas to ensure that they dry correctly and don’t form water bubbles. After that, use an applicator pad or roller pad to brush your polyurethane onto the rest of your floor. This should be a medium to heavy coat, but again, not too thick.

When applying polyurethane with an applicator pad, go in small sections, covering about four to six square feet at a time. You can use one hand for rolling and another for turning the pad over. This process has the potential to become very messy, so you should have something to wipe your hands off as you go.

pply the Second and Third coat

Let the floor dry overnight, then fill in any missed spots with a second coat of polyurethane the next day. Water-based polyurethane products are not as thick as oil-based polyurethane products, and they take less time to dry than oil-based polyurethane.

Apply the Second and Third coat
Image caption: https://static.woodmagazine.com/

So, give it 3-4 hours to dry before applying the next coat. If you want to use an oil-based product, you’ll need to wait one week between coats. After your first coat is fully dried, softly sand the entire floor with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.

Before applying the second coat, use liquid white vinegar to wipe down the floor. It’s also important to clean your wooden floors before you apply the second coat. Follow the same steps as with your first coat to apply the second coat.

The last thing you want to do is put on too much polyurethane, which will leave oily patches that will be impossible to clean up without damaging your flooring. So apply it sparingly and take your time. One good coat should do the trick for most floors, but you may need to go over certain problem areas twice to achieve a consistent finish.

Let your wood floor sit for three to four hours before sanding and cleaning the surface. Paint the final coat, the third coat, and leave your floor dry for three to four hours to get the prolific finish.

Use Abrasive Pad to Even Out the Surface

To create an even finish and to help with the drying process, it is advisable to rub the polyurethane with a piece of coarse sandpaper or steel wool. This will give you a smoother surface and ensure that your finished product has an attractive sheen.

Recoat the Finish and Let it Dry for 24 Hours

Avoid walking on your floor for 24 hours after applying the final coat. Wait until the polyurethane dries before walking in. Don’t replace your furniture for at least three days, and wait for one week before replacing your rugs and carpets. This will make your floor fully cure.

Recoat the Finish and Let it Dry for 24 Hours
Image caption: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/

Clean the Floor

Clean up any spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent stains from setting into the finish. Always use an approved cleaner on your floor, as well as a mop or dry rag to clean it. Avoid using water if possible, as this will create marks and streaks.

FAQS on How to Apply Polyurethane for Floors

What is the best applicator for polyurethane on floors?

Polyurethane is applied with a brush, paint roller, or spraying. Brush application gives an even finish and is recommended for small areas of less than 150 square feet. Rollers are easier to handle on smooth surfaces, while spraying requires more skill but can get into hard-to-reach corners.

How often do I need to apply polyurethane?

Recoating your floor with polyurethane depends on many factors: traffic and use, frequency of cleaning, and how long you wait between coats. Most floors need refinishing every year or two. The first coat should be applied as soon as the old finish has dried thoroughly.

Final Thought on How to Apply Polyurethane for Floors

Polyurethane coating is an extremely useful liquid to improve the durability of your surface. A perfectly wooden floor also makes a home a comfortable place to live in. Make sure you follow the steps mentioned above correctly because using incorrect steps can waste time and money.

Follow this guide on applying polyurethane on hardwood floors to complete your flooring project in the right manner. It is always better to use all available resources before starting with any home improvement activity.

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How To Brighten A Dark Room

How To Brighten A Dark Room

If you have a darkroom in your home, it can make the whole place look smaller and more cramped. There are many ways to brighten a dark room, but they all require money or time that most of us don’t have. Here’s a list of ways you can brighten up your dark room without investing much time and money:

Place Your Mirrors Near Light Sources

Although it’s old advice, mirrors can expand your visual space and brighten your dark room. To use mirrors to their fullest potential, ensure that you place them near a light source, such as a window or floor lamp. Large mirrors reflect light and can do wonders for small rooms without windows. To get the best results, make sure your lamp emits ambient lighting.

Install Multiple Light Sources

Placing a lamp near a window isn’t the only way to bring light into your dark rooms. The web is filled with examples of how lights can be used to brighten up a room-so much so that it’s nearly impossible for a single light source to do all the work. If you have many dark corners in your room, install additional light sources. You can add a floor lamp or table lamp to start.


Image caption: https://hips.hearstapps.com/

dd Light Colors and Transparent Furniture to Dark Rooms

Light colors not only decorate your room but can also make dark rooms feel bigger, brighter, and more cheerful. While pastel hues are generally considered light, if you want your room to be brighter, it’s best to choose a lighter tone of the dominant color in the room-for example, if you have an orange room, add light yellow to brighten things up.

Transparent furniture is a great way to increase a dark room’s brightness, especially a small, dim room. Glass tables and shelves allow light from outside to flood in so you can have your cake and eat it too-a a well-lit room with an open layout. Also, a stylish, compact sofa in a lighter color like white, beige, and ivory can make your living room look and feel bigger and more spacious. If you find neutrals and metallic accents too moody, you can bring in a playful throw pillow. This will make your living room or bedroom feel casual without dressing it too much.

Cover Your Floor with Large, Bright Area Rug

An area rug is a quick and easy way to brighten up an otherwise drab room. A big, brightly colored shag rug instantly adds warmth and character to any space, making it the ideal choice for rooms that don’t see much natural light.

This will not only add some softness and texture to your floors but will make your floor glow. This is very important, especially if your dim space features dark floor cardboards. When choosing a color for your rug, think about choosing a rug that contrasts with your floor color. For example, if your floor is dark, choose a light-colored or white rug to brighten up the room.

Keep Your Windows Clean and Clear

A couple of hours washing your windows will brighten up any room, as dirty windows can darken a space by blocking out natural light. And don’t just clean your windows from the outside. Also, wipe those inside panes to ensure that there’s no film obstructing the light from reaching your room.

Make sure you deep clean your windows once a year to make them shine during the winter months. Remember that the less dirt, dust, and debris on your window, the more sunlight will shine through your room.

Introduce Light Fixtures

Overhead lighting in bathrooms isn’t always the most pleasant of spaces, so the addition of light fixtures can brighten up your space. Use single hang lamps above head height for functional lighting that adds interest to an otherwise dull room.

In that case, don’t rely so much on overhead lightings such as those from chandeliers or pendant lights. Instead, add some floor and table lamps to your dark bathroom to allow you enough lighting for grooming and even reading. Keep the light color cool so as not to create a warm atmosphere in an already hot space.

Go for Lighter Lampshades

Opt for lampshades that are made with a light material such as linen or cotton. While darker shades may make a small space seem even smaller, lighter shades will scatter the light and make your space look brighter. A lighter lampshade will help diffuse light without blocking its glow-like opaque shades.

Go for Light Wood Flooring

A dark floor is a great option for a small bathroom, but if you’re stuck with dark-colored tiles, think about replacing them with lighter ones. If your shower stalls and floors are already tiled in dark colors, freshen up the space by installing new light-colored finishing and caulk.

If possible, choose light wood flooring or a light stain that can hide chips and scratches. It will keep the look fresh and bright. If you don’t want to replace your flooring, you can always paint it.

Incorporate Metallic Touches

Make your drab and dreary space lively by adding shiny finishes to your home decor. Metallic touches work well in small bathrooms, especially if they’re used as an accent. Try using metallic tiles, showerheads and faucets, towel racks, light fixtures, and other decorative elements.

Metallic touches help in reflecting light irrespective of where they’re placed. Whether you express them through a light fixture, artwork, or decorative objects, using metallic elements is a great way to liven up dark and dull spaces.

Keep Minimalist on both Furniture and Light Fixtures

Minimalist furniture and light fixtures help in making a dark room brighter. When it comes to furniture, simple designs with clean lines work best in small spaces. Keep your bathroom minimalist by letting go of bulky items such as vanities, large cabinets, and massive furniture pieces.

To light up your room, you’ll need a low-key light fixture. This should give you good light, but you don’t want the light itself to be on your room’s focal point because of the dark color of your walls. For example, if you live in a small apartment with drab walls and want to brighten up your bathroom, install an overhead light that is sleek and simple; it should blend easily into your room’s design.

Avoid oversized furniture; instead, go for light furniture that lies low to the ground. Set a maximum height for your furniture and ensure that each set falls below the set height. Leave ample space between each piece of furniture and give it a careful look to ensure that the scale is right. You can take your time to learn how to arrange furniture and make your room look brighter and lovelier.

void Bringing in Too Much Wall Art

Before bringing in an interior designer, try to limit your decorative accessories because these designers can overdo the decoration. Even if you live in a large mansion and your room is struggling with lighting, try to limit your artwork, furniture, and other decorative accessories.

Even though you love contemporary art, consider that too many modern art pieces might look crowded or give an impression that the room is small. Instead of hanging up everything on the walls, use a wall gallery to create an artistic statement.

Paint the Ceiling Bright White

If you don’t have tall windows or the ceiling is too low, paint it white to make the room appear brighter. White ceilings are also easier to clean since they can reflect light, unlike darker colors that are more difficult to spot dirt on. Painting your ceiling with an eggshell or satin finish will boost your ceiling’s reflective properties.

Paint the Ceiling Bright White
Image caption: https://cdn.trendir.com/

Consider a Whiteout

If you want to bring in more light into your old room, grab your paint roller and a gallon of white paint, then start painting your walls. But don’t stop; paint everything white from floor to ceiling and even your home decor and furniture. Give your baskets and bed frames some shade, and you’ll love the outcome.

If you feel overwhelmed, you can assign someone to help you out. A too-white room can feel sterile and even a little cold, so make sure to add some character with a warm accent somewhere on your walls. This will not only make your dark room brighter but will also give it a subtle beauty.

Bring in Greenery

Make your room feel more spacious and lighter by bringing in greenery. The crisp white walls and splashes of color will brighten up your dark flooring and narrow space. When bringing natural plants, consider the size since the larger size is better as long as you use a white vessel.

This white vessel can visually bleed into your room and make it feel brighter. Since the plants take up space, they will help diffuse the light and make your dark space look bigger. Choose greenery that thrives in minimal light.

Limit Your Window Treatments

Make the most of natural light in your home. Avoid heavy draperies and window treatments that can block natural light. If you want to put something on the window, consider sheer drapes, blinds, and roman shades that will not take up your wall space. You can also consider opaque treatment to give you privacy while letting light into your room.

Consider a Glass Door

Swap your solid door out with a glass door. This is one of the permanent changes that can make a difference in your dark space. It will let in much more natural light and give the illusion of a bigger room. An exterior door will also allow more natural light into the room from outside, making a big difference. And if it’s an internal door, it will make your room feel more open and bright.

Consider a Glass Door
Image caption: https://assets.blog.hgtv.ca/

FAQs on How to Brighten a Dark Room

What colors make a room look brighter?

Colors that make a room look brighter include bright white, off-white, light grays, warm neutrals, and bright and bold colors.

How do you brighten a dark room without natural light?

You can brighten a dark room without natural light by using brighter textures, paints, and furniture.

What do you do when your room is too bright?

If your room is too bright, use darker woods as flooring or wall coverings to absorb some light.

Final Thought on How to Brighten a Dark Room

As you can see, brightening a dark can be a challenge and, at the same time, a good opportunity to add some drama and texture. It’s not easy to get more light into your dark room. It’s doable with some strategic design and planning.

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How to Refurbish Particle Board Furniture

How to Refurbish Particle Board Furniture

A lot of us don’t think about our furniture until it starts to look shabby or gets stained, but with a little care and elbow grease, you can get your old furniture looking like new again. This article will show you how to refurbish particle board furniture in four easy steps. Keep reading to find out more.

Clean the furniture with a damp cloth and soap

Make sure you are not wearing any clothes that could get stained by the soap, then fill up a bucket with warm water and some mild liquid dish soap. Dip your cloth in the soapy water, wring it out so it’s not dripping wet, and start scrubbing. You can also use other cleaning solutions if you prefer using them instead of soap, but be careful because they may require different accessories to apply them safely (for example wet sandpaper instead of a dry one).


Image Credit: http://rivergateapartment.com

Sand down any rough areas

You will want something like 220-grit sandpaper for this step; wet sanding is recommended to keep dust from flying around while you work. Don’t forget to wear protective gear such as eye goggles and gloves, and make sure to sand in the same direction as the wood grain. Make plenty of strokes until you are satisfied with how smooth it is; don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth because you will be painting over it soon.

pply wood filler to cracks or scratches, then sand smooth again

Wood filler can usually be found at your local hardware store, but if there’s not any left then an alternative would be spackling paste which should have the same effect. Anything that fills in cracks or deep scratches should work fine, just remember that you still want to leave some visible signs of imperfection for a more natural look later on. When you’re done filling them up let this dry completely before sanding again so the wood won’t be too rough after applying paint.

Use a paint primer to seal the surface of the furniture before painting it (optional)

Paint and stain work by soaking into the wood, so if your particleboard isn’t fully sealed then it’s possible that your new layer won’t get a stronghold; this is especially important for surfaces such as particleboard which can get saturated easily and start warping if not properly prepared. Some people like to skip this step because they don’t like the shiny appearance of paint primers, but in most cases, you will have a better-looking final result with a primer applied over whatever color you’re using. If you do decide to go ahead without using a primer, just make sure that whatever color you’re using is completely dry before you seal it up with polyurethane or varnish.

Paint your desired color on top of the primer, two coats should be enough for most pieces of furniture

Be sure to use oil-based paint (acrylic paints are not generally advised because they sometimes contain chemicals that can eat away at the surface of particleboard) and make sure to clean up any spills right away so the wood won’t absorb them permanently. If you want to use more than one color, wait until after finishing the first coat before applying your second layer; this will ensure that your final result looks nice and even. Don’t forget to seal it with polyurethane or varnish afterward for protection and a glossy finish.

Now that your furniture looks great again, you will be able to enjoy it for much longer than if you hadn’t taken the time to fix it up. With these four easy steps, you can make even particle boards look new again.

Taking care of your furniture and important areas

Taking care of your furniture ensures that they last for a very long time. Many pieces of furniture can last for decades if they are properly maintained throughout their lifetime. However, this is not the case with every piece of furniture; some pieces like particle board furniture will start to deteriorate relatively quickly. This is because the particle board consists of wood chips and sawdust that are glued together using formaldehyde, a chemical compound that helps bind everything together so it can keep its shape.

Unfortunately, formaldehyde breaks down over time which makes the glue less effective at holding everything together so your particle board furniture starts to lose its structural integrity which leads to chipping paint and other cosmetic issues. Since you have likely already spent money on buying or refinishing your particle board furniture, consider taking care of it as much as possible so you don’t have to buy new furniture again.

Wipe down your furniture with a damp cloth to remove dirt

You should wipe down your particle board furniture regularly so it doesn’t get too dirty or dusty after you’ve cleaned it. This is especially true if you have pets because fur tends to clump up in cracks and keep particles of dust from being removed by normal cleaning methods.

You can use whatever solution you prefer, the important thing is that you don’t need anything too strong which might strip off the paint or varnish protecting your surface. If you do want to use something more powerful, make sure that water-based solutions are used instead of oil-based ones which can cause damage over time due to repeated exposure.

Repairing water damaged furniture

Sometimes the damage is inevitable, even if you’re taking every precaution. This is why it’s so important to learn how to repair particle board furniture which will inevitably incur damage over time due to normal wear and tear or accidents that might happen within your household.

If you have a particle board chest of drawers, for example, this type of damage can be repaired by repairing the affected drawer first. After opening up the damaged area with a screwdriver, take some wood glue and spread it into the crack where two or more pieces meet before clamping them together using plain masking tape which should match the texture of your furniture.

If needed, use a sharp knife to carve out small notches on either side of the crack so that they fit perfectly when clamped together; make sure not to go too deep if the area isn’t severely damaged. Let the glue dry for about twelve hours before you can put all of your drawers back in place and use them again.

How to Paint Particle Board Furniture
Image Credit: http://furniture.lovetoknow.com

If you like to learn more about how to repair water damage, check out this article on repairing damage to cabinet doors.

Final thoughts on how to refurbish particle board furniture

In conclusion, it’s important to know how to refurbish particle board furniture if you want it to last for a long time. The easy steps above will help you do just that by empowering you with the knowledge of how to keep particle board furniture in good condition so you don’t have to buy new pieces anytime soon.

Finally, have a look at this article to learn more about the duration items in your house should last. This article focuses specifically on how long kitchen cabinets are expected to last

The post How to Refurbish Particle Board Furniture appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Barn Door Plans

Most of us are short on time and money but still want to make our homes look great. Installing barn doors is a great way to save space in your home while also making it look amazing. However, buying the door can be expensive, which may put you off because you don’t have that extra cash lying around. But there’s no need for this. The following DIY project will show you how you can make your own DIY barn door with free plans. 

With these free printable barn door plans, anyone can create their very own custom-made door. It doesn’t matter if you’re handy with tools or not. All that’s needed is basic woodwork knowledge and access to a few household items like paintbrushes and screwdrivers. This step-by-step guide will walk you through every step of creating this beautiful entryway piece so even beginners can get started right away.

DIY sliding door hardware is also available in the market, but if you’re looking for an antique touch, say barn doors, there’s no better solution than making your own. Here are some of the free printable plans available online that you can follow to build this rustic masterpiece

Here are all the Materials You’ll Need

Barn door hardware kitBrush or rollerDark stainLight gold stainPolyurethaneTape measureWood fillerWood gluePine boards

Instructions

Know Your Options for Barn Door Hardware

Before you start shopping for barn door hardware, it’s important to know your options. Keep in mind that you can’t use sliding glass door hardware for making barn doors. The weight of the panels, together with the movement and pressure involved, means that these two types of hardware are not built to support each other.

Also, consider where you would like to build a barn door and figure out how much room you have to work with. For example, if you’re making a barn door for the bathroom, you have to measure and get the correct dimensions for your bathroom. Choosing the right hardware for your door will also depend on this measurement. Make sure that you get hardware long enough to accommodate your space and design.

Choosing a barn door kit is the easiest and most affordable way to get all your hardware in one package. Kits usually come complete with everything you need for installation and can be easily installed by a DIY-er.

ssemble and Measure the Boards

For you to determine the door width, you have to start by assembling the boards. Make sure that they are placed in a way that you can easily measure them. As its name suggests, it is best to use a barn board for your door construction since these boards are thicker and sturdier than standard plywood sheets.

Your DIY sliding door should extend at least one inch past the width of your door opening that doesn’t have trim or an inch beyond the sides of your door opening. If you plan to build a custom-sized barn door that doesn’t match any existing gaps, then you will have to measure and cut your components on your own.

Get the Right Spacers and Floor Guides

Get the spacers that will hold your door in place and won’t harm your flooring. The size of the gap between your door edges to the guides will determine how thick you should make your spacers. Once you have determined the width of your spacer, then cut it out from an appropriately sized piece of wood.

Install Roller Guide

You’ll need a roller guide to avoid ending up with a swing door. The guide will prevent the bottom of your door from dragging along the ground. Depending on how much weight your door will support, you can install this roller using a few screws or nails. The roller must be installed at least 2 inches above the floor; otherwise, it won’t work. One way of ensuring that the roller guide is always in place is to screw it into studs behind the wall.


Image caption: https://cdn.shopify.com/

Make Shiplap Boards

When choosing boards, don’t worry about knots, scratches, and gouges; instead, pick straight boards and not the carped or warped ones. Determine the number of boards you’ll need by measuring the area you need to cover and multiplying that by 3½. For example, if you have a 10’x10’ area, then you’ll need 35 boards.

Once you get all your wood home, lay them out in 4 stacks of 9 pieces each for a total of 36 boards. Using a framing square or speed square, draw a line across the boards at 6¾” from each end of every board. This will give you two boards side-by-side with a 3½” space in the middle of them, which makes up one half of your board.

Distress Your Boards with Grinder

Use a brush knot cup mounted on a pole for this. Dip the bristles into the drywall compound, then scrub it onto your boards in short bursts. The dry compound will flake off like an eraser, highlighting the wood’s natural grain and giving it an antique look. 

The grinder will also abrade your softwood and expose the grain, giving your wood a weathered look. Start by nailing the board to the sawhorses, then use your grinder to remove wood from the back of it. Make sure you tip the grinder so that the wheel is on the edge and parallel to the board. The nail holes will add that rustic appearance to your door.

If you tip it too much, the grinder will cut into the boards and ruin them. This is not a problem when using softwood, but it’s best to err on the side of caution with hardwood. Keep your grinder moving back and forth in an effortless motion so that you don’t burn out the motor when you’ve finished with the grinder; sand down your board and add a coat of stain to add some color.

pply Base Coat of Stain and then Add Dark Stain

Start by applying a base coat of light gold stains, then add some dark gold stains. This will help to give your door an eclectic look that is both elegant and bold, like the wine it adorns. Use a rag to wipe down any excess stain. Use the rag to dab the stain on, taking care to brush the wood with your strokes rather than dragging the cotton rag around. This will help to avoid streaking. Wipe until you are satisfied with the result and allow it time to dry completely.

Finish with Gray Stain

Apply a thin topcoat of gray stain to the barn door. Here, the gray stain is used in lieu of white paint to let the beauty of the wood show through. Gray has become a popular color for doors and cabinets because it adds a modern touch without being too bold or ornate for a kitchen or bedroom that calls for lightness and freshness. Remember also to finish the ends and the edges of the barn door.

Square the Vertical Slats

Arrange the vertical boards on the door on your work table, spacing them out evenly and leaving a small gap between each board. Measure the distance from one end of the top board to another. Mark that measurement on the bottom board and use it as a measuring stick to ensure all boards are spaced equally apart.

Fasten the Rails

Mark the height of the rails and make sure you attach them with the appropriate distance apart. Use a level to make sure the rails are even when they are attached. Drill pilot holes for the nails and attach the rails to the boards.

Mark the Hanger Holes

Follow detailed instructions included in your door DIY door hardware to determine where to attach the hanger bolts—place pencil marks on the top board at those spots. Make sure you have appropriately sized hardware for your door before you begin this part of the process. Drill pilot holes in the top board and hammer hanger bolts through them, attaching to the bottom board.

Install the Track

Measure 3/4 inch above the door casing and mark where you want to place the track. Screw the track into place, using a drill/driver and screws included in your door hardware. The step you take to mount the track also depends on the design of the hardware you use.

Install Your DIY Sliding Barn Door

You are now ready to hang your barn door. Lift it into place on top of the track. There should be a metal bracket on either side of the door that fits on top of the track. Once you have it in place, hook all four brackets onto each end piece of the track. Now, screw on a hook and eye at the top of the door to hold it shut when it’s closed. Then, install a catch at the bottom, near one of your wall studs, to keep the door from swinging out into the room when you open it.

Install Your DIY Sliding Barn Door
Image caption: https://diy.sndimg.com/

DIY Barn Door Ideas

There are different types of barn doors you can create for your home. They include a traditional rustic look, fresh and simple white doors. Here are the barn door ideas that are available:

Modern Barn Doors for Contemporary House

Install this DIY barn door project with a contemporary design to create a modern look in your house. However, what’s common in this type of door is they’re normally made from aluminum. It means that it won’t cost too much budget for you to buy and install such doors at home.

Wide DIY Rustic Barn Door

If you’re looking for more privacy at home, then this DIY sliding barn door should be your best bet. Its extra-large feature makes it cover a wider space at home.

Dutch Barn Door

Make your door unique with a dutch door: the top and the bottom of this door open separately. You can also open the sections as one door. Its unique feature and attraction make it suitable to incorporate in a pet or baby gate between two rooms.

Closet Sliding Barn Doors with Windows

Add more character to your bedroom by installing this DIY sliding barn door. It’s a great alternative to a tight space that uses mirrored closet doors.So, save space with this DIY sliding barn door.

DIY Barn Door

This sliding barn door hardware adds a nice separation between the kitchen and living area. Installing it is also very easy and requires less capital.

Bi-Fold Barn Doors

Make your own barn door by taking your existing bi-fold and then using decorative slats to look unique. It also adds beauty to the living room.

Colorblocked Barn Door

Make your barn door more modern by adding color to it. This type of door also adds a rustic feel to the living room and dining area.

Sliding Barn Door

You can make a sliding barn door out of almost anything circular or cylindrical for this DIY project. It’s very easy to do, and you will have plenty of extra materials left over from the project. 

FAQS on Barn Door Plans

What is the best wood for a barn door?

The most durable woods for barn doors would be oak and pine. Both types of wood are rot-resistant and should last for at least a few years, even in an outdoor environment.

What is barn door hardware?

The hardware that makes the door slide smoothly and also attaches to the other parts. These pieces will determine whether or not your project can be installed as expected.

Final Thought on Barn Door Plans

As you can see, DIY barn doors are very popular. They are easy to complete, and they do not cost much in terms of materials or tools. You can easily find cheap barn door hardware, or you can always make your own if you have the correct plans. The final result is doors that are beautiful, strong, and functional at the same time. These DIY barn doors are perfect for any home improvement and you don’t have to rip off or reframe your wall to install this pocket door.

 

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Dining Room Paint Colors

Dining room paint colors are an important part of creating a beautiful and inviting space.

It is important to consider what color will work best with the rest of your home, while also considering how light or dark you want the space to be.

In this article, we will teach you more about dining room paint colors and how to make the best decision for your space. Keep reading to find out more. 

Why are the right dining room colors important?

When you are trying to create a beautiful, inviting space in your home, one of the most important factors is choosing the right paint color. While many people consider the rooms that need the most attention in their homes (like bathrooms and bedrooms), it is also important to keep your dining room in mind. 


Image Credit: http://sherwin-williams.com

This often gets overlooked because it doesn’t need as much work; however, if you want this space to be used frequently and look its best when guests come over, then you will want to consider all of your options carefully.

Since this room tends to be small and doesn’t get a lot of natural light (because it isn’t typically located near windows), we recommend painting the walls a light color – like white or cream – to keep the space looking bright and inviting.

When your colors are too dark, it not only makes the room smaller but can also be overwhelming for guests as they enter. The color will also make the other areas in your home feel darker and more closed off than if you were to choose a lighter color.

How do I know what dining room paint colors to use?

One of the main factors we recommend considering when choosing your paint color is how light or dark you want the space to look. If you want this room to feel serene and calm, then painting it a soft white or cream will allow natural light from windows (or electrical lighting) to reflect beautifully throughout the space.

We also recommend choosing one hue and sticking with it throughout the room so that everything feels cohesive. For example, this can be done by simply painting one wall of your dining room orange while painting another wall yellow instead of each wall a different color. 

Neutral color palette

A neutral color palette throughout the room can also help keep it feeling calm while adding pops of color here and there with accent pieces will keep your guests entertained as they relax.

If you want to use darker colors throughout the space, then we recommend painting all of the walls with these colors. This will create a more dramatic look that won’t be as bright as lighter hues but is still inviting enough for most people.

There are no hard rules when it comes to choosing what color(s) you should paint your dining room; however, we recommend considering how light or dark you want the space to look and find a color palette that works well with those choices. Once you’ve decided on one main tone, try finding accent pieces in other colors that will bring in a bit of variety.

Steps to choose the right dining room paint colors

Step 1: Determine how light or dark you want your space to look

The first thing we recommend doing when trying to decide what color(s) you should paint your dining room is determining how much natural light comes into the space and if it would be better off painted a lighter color, darker color, or left alone completely. 

You can do this by simply pulling a chair up to one of your windows during the day and looking at how much light reflects onto the walls while also considering what other colors are surrounding it.  If there isn’t much natural light coming into this area, then a brighter color might be best for you as darker colors will absorb the light rather than reflect it.

If there is a lot of natural light coming into this area, then we recommend painting the walls a soft white or cream tone to make the space feel bright and inviting for guests. This also allows other colors in the room (furniture, accents, etc.) to pop more and create an overall cohesive look to your decor.        

Another option is painting them a deeper color depending on where they are located in your home. For example, if these walls are located near windows that receive a large amount of natural light then we recommend painting them a lighter color to reflect this light and open up the space. However, if these walls are located near windows that might not receive much natural light, then we recommend painting them a darker tone that absorbs most of it and closes in the room.

Also, consider the mood that you want to feel when in your dining room. This goes hand in hand with the color that you choose.

Once you have determined whether or not to paint your walls a lighter or darker color, then go to step 2.

Step 2: Find whatever colors work best with those choices

Now that you’ve decided whether or not to paint your walls a light or dark tone as well as what kind of mood you would like painted throughout the rest of this room, it is best to find colors that work well with those choices.  If you want a bright dining room then pairing colors such as green, yellow, or white will make this space feel larger and more open. 

If you want to create a dramatic ambiance then pairing colors such as purple, blue, or red with dark wood furniture is another way to bring lots of contrast into this area.

However, if you do not like the idea of painting your walls a bright color or would like for them to match with certain furniture pieces already in your home, there are many ways to incorporate these hues through other objects. 

Decorating your room also includes the furniture itself, so feel free to paint a piece of them in your dining room if you would like to replace it with a new piece or just freshen up a tired old one.  

Step 4: Make sure anything that goes with these colors matches

You have decided on whether to paint your walls a lighter or darker color as well as what kind of mood you’d like painted throughout this area and now it is time for things such as furniture and accents to come into play.  If you want this space to be bright and welcoming then painting furniture pieces white will make them pop beautifully off of those light walls while also creating an overall cohesive look throughout the rest of your decor. The same logic used for the dining room might be applied when thinking about the potential of painting furniture.

Defy The Trends And Pick Something Bold For Your Dining Room Paint
Image Credit: http://franklinpainting.com

Final thoughts on dining room paint colors

In conclusion, interior design is a complex and imaginative process. Designing the perfect dining room might take some time but it’s totally worth it and in the end, will make you feel at ease in your home.

If you want to get started on improving your home, we invite you to use these tips for inspiration.

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How To Grow Horseradish

Horseradish is a hardy perennial plant that can be grown in many areas. It’s also very easy to grow, so everyone should have it in their garden. This plant does require some special care and attention. If you want to add horseradish to your garden, you must learn how to take good care of it.

We’ll cover how to grow, harvest, store and use your own fresh homemade horseradish sauce.

How to Plant Horseradish

The roots need a long growing season to produce large roots. Plant horseradish in full sun, although it will also tolerate partial shade. Grow horseradish in well-drained soil and ensure you remove stones and lumps that might cause the roots to split. To plant horseradish sets, dig a hole about 1 foot deep with plenty of compost mixed in. Drop one set into the hole and backfill with your potting mixture.

Horseradish grows in cool weather, so for the best flavor, plant it after the last anticipated frost date for your area. Set the crowns at the soil for spacing and planting, then plant horseradish roots in a shallow hole or trench at least 12 inches apart. Slice the horseradish root cuttings at a 30-degree angle, then fill the trench until the wide end of the horseradish root is covered. 


Image credit: https://cdn.harvesttotable.com/You should space horseradish roots 24 to 36 inches apart. Other plants such as potatoes and yams are the companion plants you should plant with horseradish. Make sure you choose a container that will allow horseradish roots to grow at least 24 to 30 inches deep.

Horseradish Care

Light

Horseradish plants tolerate full fun and partial shade. However, too much shade or more heat won’t be good. They should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Locate the beds with exposure to full sun, moist but well-drained soil, and protection from strong winds.

Water Horseradish Care

Horseradish requires consistent watering, moist soil, and cool weather. However, don’t overwater it, or you can get moldy or woody roots with weak flavor. You should water the plant daily with about 1 inch of water to keep the soil moist, not wet. Weed growth can hinder light penetration in summer, so weed out excess growth as hot weather approaches.

Soil Care for Horseradish

To get the most out of your horseradish crop, it’s very important that you select a planting site with rich soil. Horseradish grows well in most types of soil but prefers a moist, loamy texture. After you’ve plowed up the area for cultivation, add a generous amount of manure or organic compost to enrich the soil. Also, make sure you test the soil pH and ensure it’s neutral because horseradish thrives in slightly alkaline conditions.

Temperature and Humidity

Horseradish thrives in cool weather. Horseradish grows well in temperatures ranging from 45-75 degrees and requires a humidity level of at least 70%. But humidity won’t be an issue if its soil moisture needs are met and good airflow around the plant.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your horseradish during planting time and after every four weeks. You can make compost to use for this, use compost tea, or a commercial 10-10-10 vegetable fertilizer and ensure you follow the product’s instructions.

Pruning Your Horseradish

Horseradish won’t need pruning if you grow it as a food crop. But if you plan to use the root for medicinal purposes, cut back the top of the plant after harvesting in April or May, depending on your climate zone. The greenery will rejuvenate after this type of pruning and continue its life cycle.

Protecting Your Horseradish from Pests and Diseases

Keep your horseradish healthy by keeping it weed-free and applying mulch over the soil after planting. Horseradish has few pest or disease problems, but if you see insects eating the plant’s leaves, be sure to treat them immediately because this could spread to nearby plants.

Propagating Horseradish

The most common way of propagating horseradish plants is by saving root cuttings. This isn’t only an inexpensive way of creating new plants, but it will allow you to use excess roots you don’t eat.

Propagating Horseradish
Image credit: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/

How to Harvest Horseradish

When it comes to horseradish harvest, these plants take one year to mature. In warmer climates, it may take a little longer, but most gardeners start harvesting their roots in the fall of the first year. Be sure to harvest them before they go to seed.

If you plant them in the early spring, wait until the following early spring to harvest them. They’ll take roughly 140 days to harvest. They’ll develop well during the late summer months. Avoid harvesting horseradish until late fall or early winter, even if the harvesting time has passed.

How to Harvest Horseradish
Image credit: https://mnprairieroots.files.wordpress.com/When harvesting horseradish, loosen the soil around it. You can use a garden shovel or a garden fork to carefully dig up the horseradish roots. It’s important to harvest horseradish before the first frost of winter

How to Store Horse Radish

Once harvested, store horseradish in an airtight container. Make sure you clean the roots under running water and scrub any dirt before storing them. Allow the roots to dry before you store them. Store horseradish in damp sand in the root cellar in a dark area. If you want to use it immediately, keep a small supply of roots in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator for a couple of months.

Recommended Varieties

The common horseradish Armoracia rusticana is not the only variety available. There are also some varieties, including common horseradish and bohemian horseradish. A common horseradish has broad, crinkled leaves with superior root quality but is more susceptible to disease. 

On the other hand, bohemian horseradish has narrower, smoother leaves and is more disease-resistant. It has a slightly lower root quality. Plus, there’s wasabi, also known as Japanese horseradish. Wasabi and horseradish come from one family. They both have juicy flavors, even though they’re distinct. Wasabi leaves are also not long like horseradish leaves.

Preparing Horseradish

Freshly grated horseradish emits fumes that irritate eyes and noses. Wash horseradish roots, but do not scrub or peel them since the skin helps prevent enzymes in the root from turning to mush when grated. Rinse off any dirt after washing with cold water. Peel three to four sections of the root, then cut into half-inch chunks and drop them in your blender or food processor. Add a quarter cup of cold water and a bit of crushed ice and grind to a fine texture.

Making Horseradish Sauce

Mix your grated horseradish sauce with white vinegar or lemon juice, salt, sugar, and crushed ice to get a thick paste that won’t separate when you put it on your food. For mild horseradish, add the vinegar immediately after grinding.

Cooking with Horseradish

Horseradish is known as a classic accompaniment to hot and cold roast beef. However, there are still other ways to use the inimitable flavor of homemade horseradish. You can blend it with yogurt and sour cream to make a raw sauce that pairs well with seafood, such as shrimp and oysters. 

You can also mix your horseradish with sugar and lemon juice for a sweet and sour sauce to accompany boiled or fried fish. Horseradish also makes an excellent marinade for beef before cooking. When you make roast beef sandwiches using horseradish, spread it on both pieces of the bread. When using it in hot dishes, add it before serving because cooking will destroy its flavors.

FAQS on How to Grow Horseradish

Can you plant horseradish from the grocery store?

Gardeners used to grow horseradish from plants and root cuttings in the spring or fall. Finding seeds is very difficult, but you’ll find roots at farmer’s markets, supermarkets, and retail and mail-order stores.

re horseradish leaves edible?

Yes, the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, although they can be poisonous in rare circumstances.

Final Thought on How to Grow Horseradish

As you can see, horseradish is packed with a lot of benefits. It’s also easy to grow, although harvesting is difficult to work. The first step should be familiarizing yourself with what this plant looks like so you know when to harvest it.

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