| How to Start an Organic Vegetable Garden Posted: 10 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT Growing your own organic vegetables is a great way to ensure you have healthy foods for your favorite recipes. When you grow organic veggies, you won't be able to treat them with chemicals or herbicides, so you'll need to be more mindful of pests. If you want to start an organic vegetable garden, select a suitable spot in your yard where you can dig a plot, build a raised bed, or set up planting containers. Next, prepare your soil and plant your veggies. As your plants grow, keep them healthy with organic pest control. EditChoosing Location, Containers, and Soil - Choose a location with ample sunlight and proper drainage. Check your yard at different times of the day to observe the placement of the sun. Put your garden in an area that's exposed to sunlight for at least six hours throughout the day. Additionally, evaluate the location's drainage by checking for standing water.[1]
- Make sure the spot gets partial shade if you live in a very hot area.
- To see if your plot has proper drainage, check it after it rains to see if water pools around it. Standing water means that the plot doesn't have good drainage. If it hasn't rained in awhile, spray the area with a gardening hose for 5 minutes, then check to see if the water soaks in or pools.
- Test your soil's pH and amend it if necessary. Get pH testing strips from your local gardening store or online. Collect a sample of your soil in a cup, then add distilled water to the soil and stir. Insert a test strip into the mixture and hold it there for 20-30 seconds. Finally, remove the strip and check it against the kit's key. If necessary, add supplements to your soil to bring it within the range of 5.5-7.0.[2]
- Vegetables grow best when their soil pH is 5.5-7.0.
- If your soil's pH is below 5.5, add dolomite or quicklime to boost the pH. Mix it into the soil as directed on the package, then retest the pH.
- If your soil's pH is above 7.0, mix additional organic matter into the soil to lower it.
- Plant directly into the ground if you have good drainage and pH. If you have good-quality soil that drains well, then it's easiest to plant your garden directly into the ground. To get started, pull and discard weeds. Then, remove any existing vegetation, like grass, by digging it up with your shovel and putting it in your compost pile. Once your plot is just dirt, it's ready for planting.[3]
- If you'd like to plant directly into the ground but don't want to use your existing soil, dig out the plot and replace it with organic soil. Use a shovel to remove at least of soil from your plot. Then, pour an organic soil into the plot to use for your planting bed.[4] You can buy organic soil at your local gardening store or online.
- Build a raised a garden bed if you want to improve your plot's drainage. If you plan to plant your garden on land that's a bit soggy, raised beds are a great option. First, dig out about of soil in the shape of your plot. Then, place pieces of wood along the edge of your plot to create a box. Next, add organic soil to the box for planting.[5]
- Raised beds can be made from materials such as cedar, which is a natural insect repellent.
- Grow your veggies in containers for a convenient planting option. Choose medium to large pots that are at least deep so that your plants have plenty of space to grow. Make sure your pots have drainage at the bottom so that water can flow away from the roots.[6]
- If you're planting your garden in pots, use organic potting soil.
- You can use a sized bucket as a pot, if you prefer.
- If your pots don't have drainage, cut holes into the bottom. Alternatively, add a layer of rocks to the bottom of the pot. However, keep in mind that water that settles in the bottom of the pot could drown your plant.
- Mix organic matter into your soil to fertilize it, if you prefer. Replace up to half of your soil with organic matter if you want to add more nutrients. Use a shovel to remove the existing soil, then spread the organic matter over the soil. Use the shovel, a spade, or a hoe to mix the organic matter into the soil.[7]
- You can add fertilizer to gardens planted directly into the ground (if the existing soil has a healthy pH), raised beds, and containers.
- Good options include peat moss, manure, or compost. You can buy these at your local gardening store or online.
EditPlanting Your Veggies - Choose plants that grow well in your USDA hardiness zone. Depending on your local climate, some plants might not grow well in your area. Find out which USDA hardiness zone you're in, then read the labels or plant information about the veggies you want to grow. Make sure you pick veggies that are compatible with your zone.[8]
- Get organic seeds from a farmers market, gardening store, or online. Check the label on the seeds to make sure it says organic. This means the seeds came from organic plants that were grown without pesticides, herbicides, and non-organic fertilizers. If you're unsure about your selection, ask the person who's selling them if they're organic.[9]
- Organic plants can be difficult to find locally in some areas. Many nurseries use fertilizers and pesticides, so be sure to ask.
- Till your soil so that it's loose. First, remove any existing weeds or plants that remain on the plot. Then, make sure there are no obstructions, like rocks or sticks. Next, use a hoe or tiller to break up the soil in your plot. Make several passes over the soil to work the entire plot.[10]
- If you have a large plot, you can rent a tiller from your local gardening store.
- This will make it easier for the seeds to take root once they're planted. Additionally, it helps the water drain away more easily.
- Plant your seeds or seedlings outdoors after the last frost of spring. Sprinkle the seedlings over the soil in your plot or gardening containers, then add a thin layer of organic topsoil over them. If you're using seedlings, use a small shovel to dig out about of soil, then place the seedling into it. Cover the roots with soil, but don't pack it down.[11]
- If you plant from seed, you may need to thin out your plants once they sprout. However, it's unlikely that all of your seeds will sprout, so it's best to sprinkle a lot of seeds.
- Label your plants, if you desire. Print the names of your plants on garden stakes or popsicle sticks. Then, place each stake or popsicle stick near the correct row of plants.
- If you're using pots, put the labels on or inside the pots.
- It's especially helpful to label your plants if you have varieties of the same vegetable. Additionally, it can help you remember where you planted your perennial plants, which will likely return in future growing seasons.
- Cover the soil with of organic mulch to limit weed growth. Mulch is great for preventing weed growth, preserving moisture, and keeping your plants warm. Add a thin layer of mulch over your entire plot after you finish planting your seeds or seedlings. Your seeds will still sprout through the mulch.[12]
- Great options for mulch include straw, cocoa hulls, or shredded newspaper.
- Always check the label on your mulch to make sure it's organic. You can buy organic mulch at your local gardening store or online.
- Water your seeds or seedlings immediately after you plant them. Use a watering can or garden hose to spray your plot or containers until the soil looks damp. Then, feel the soil with your hand to make sure it feels moist. Don't add so much water that it pools on top of the soil.[13]
- If you planted your garden in containers, it's normal to see a lot of the water flow out of the bottom of the pots.
EditCaring for Your Plants - Water your plants in the morning so the excess water evaporates. Although your plants need water, too much water can be harmful. This is especially true if the water sits on the plant leaves. For best results, water your plants most mornings so that the sun can evaporate the excess water during the early morning hours and afternoon sun.[14]
- You can skip watering your plants if the soil already feels moist or the weather is rainy.
- Use a liquid organic fertilizer weekly to help your plants grow. Follow the instructions on the label to measure out the fertilizer. Then, add the fertilizer to your gardening can or a fertilizer sprayer. Next, spray the water onto your plants to give them extra nutrients.[15]
- Replace your regular watering with the fertilizer water.
- You can find a liquid organic fertilizer at your local gardening store or online.
- Weed the plot at least once a week. Do a visual inspection to check your plot for weeds. If you see any, pull them immediately. Do your best to pull all of the weeds before they grow enough to start producing seeds.[16]
- Don't put weeds in your compost, as they will contaminate the compost with seeds.
- Control pests by attracting helpful insects. Add plants that attract insects around the border of your plot. Common varieties include daisies, marigolds, bachelor's button, sunflowers, lemon balm, parsley, and alyssum.[17] Additionally, place rocks and stepping stones near your garden to give bugs lots of places to hide. The insects will snack on the pests that might ruin your crop.[18]
- For instance, ladybugs and ground beetles are especially helpful for controlling pests.
- Keep pesticides, herbicides, and inorganic fertilizers away from your plants. Organic gardens don't use any pesticides, herbicides, or inorganic fertilizers, so you'll need to be vigilant about what you use. While this might feel like a lot of work at first, you'll get the hang of it once you gain some experience. Trust your organic fertilizer, hand-pulling of weeds, and friendly insects to keep your garden going strong.
- You can have your soil analyzed by your local cooperative extension office to determine what you might need to add to have the most successful garden possible.
EditThings You'll Need - Shovel or spade
- Hand shovel
- Hoe or tiller
- Garden rake
- Wood for raised bed (optional)
- Containers or pots (optional)
- Organic soil
- Compost
- Mulch
- Organic seeds or seedlings
- Organic fertilizer
- Watering can or garden hose
- Stakes for labeling (optional)
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| How to Buy Reading Glasses Posted: 10 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT If it's getting harder to make out small print or you find that your eyes are becoming more easily strained when you read, then it may be time to consider reading glasses. While they are only designed to treat presbyopia, a common condition that makes it difficult to focus your eyes on small print, reading glasses can prove to be a helpful purchase. But due to the vast number of lenses, frames, and styles, it can be difficult to figure out which pair is right for you. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to determine what kind of reading glasses you need. EditGetting an Eye Exam - Schedule an appointment with your optometrist to get an eye exam. An eye exam carried out by a licensed professional is really the only reliable way to tell whether reading glasses will help your symptoms.
- It's good to schedule regular visits with an eye doctor anyways, and they will be able to perform their regular exams while testing your vision. [1]
- You should get a full eye exam every two to four years.[2]
- Ask your optometrist about reading glasses. An eye doctor will be able to confirm whether or not you have presbyopia with certainty. After they confirm the diagnosis, ask your doctor about what kind of reading glasses would work for you specifically.[3] You'll know a lot more about what to look for in a pair of reading glasses based on their specific recommendations for you.
- Complete an eye exam online if you can't see a doctor. A simple reading test can be found online and can be used to diagnose the level of magnification that you will need in your reading glasses. Most reading tests that you can complete at home require you to read different sizes of print, which will help you identify what kind of lenses you need.[4]
- Completing an eye exam on your own is no replacement for a medical professional's opinion, but can serve as an alternative until you have an opportunity to see your physician.
- While completing an online eye exam can help you determine what level of magnification you'll want in your reading glasses, it cannot determine the cause of your symptoms. Only a medical professional will be able to diagnose the root cause of an issue with your vision.
- Reading glasses have signs or stickers on them that indicate their level of magnification. Write down the results of your eye exam when going shopping for a pair.
EditPicking the Right Lenses - Start with a full frame for your first pair. Full frame lenses refer to larger lenses that provide uniform magnification across the entirety of the lens. They tend to look like regular prescription glasses and come in a variety of styles. Full frame lenses are good choices if you think you'll be using your reading glasses for longer periods of time, since they cover your entire eye.[5]
- Some eyecare professionals suggest starting with a full frame because it will help your eyes adjust more easily to the magnification.[6]
- Pick a half-eye frame for more flexibility. Half-eye glasses are smaller and tend to sit further down on your nose. They make it easy to move your eyes in and out of the lens depending on what you're doing. If you tend to multitask or find yourself taking your full lenses on and off with great frequency, you may want to consider switching to half-eye frames.[7]
- Select bifocals or progressives if you know exactly what you need. Bifocals and progressives refer to full lenses where the magnification is different depending on what part of the lens you're looking through. Bifocals have two distinct areas of magnification, while progressives contain lenses with a magnification that shifts gradually from one part of the lens to the other. They can be hard to get used to if you've never worn glasses before.[8]
- Bifocal and progressive lenses are more commonly found in prescription glasses, since they're often built to meet a specific set of needs.
- Because bifocal and progressive lenses can take a lot of effort to get used to, it's probably best to start with full or half-eye frames first.[9]
- Buy sun readers if you're frequently struggling to read outdoors. There are specialty lenses on the market that may be better for you depending on what you need your reading glasses for. If you are struggling to read small print outside, you may want to consider sun readers. These usually come with ultraviolet protection and repel sunlight.[10]
- Buy specialty glasses if you struggle with computer screens. The same way that there are specialty lenses for reading outdoors, there are specific reading glasses that are made for people that spend a lot of time staring at screens. These lenses help the user reduce eyestrain specifically caused by bright screens and make it easier to read off of a computer.[11]
- If you experience difficulty staring at your computer screen for a reasonable period of time, you may want to bring it up with your doctor. You may have something called Computer Vision Syndrome.[12]
EditBuying Your First Pair - Set a budget based on how you intend to use your glasses. Plastic frames are a common and inexpensive choice that are preferable if you don't want to worry about replacing your glasses. Metals like titanium or aluminum can cost quite a bit more, but tend to last longer.[13] Consider what amount you're willing to spend on a pair of glasses before you start poking around in the store.
- If you tend to lose glasses or drop them frequently, a cheaper pair may be better for you as they'll be easier to replace.
- If you aren't prone to losing glasses and tend to take good care of them, feel free to spend a little more on a nicer pair.
- Many people tend to buy multiple copies of the same pair of reading glasses, since they're relatively inexpensive and some people only use them at a few select locations (like a reading chair or office desk). Having multiple pairs can keep you from worrying about taking your glasses with you everywhere.[14]
- Pick a style that fits you! Once you've determined what kind of lens you'll need, it's time to figure out what style of frame you want. While some people don't necessarily care what their reading glasses look like, having fashionable eyeglasses can be important. From rimless to full-rimmed glasses and from square to rounded edges, reading glasses come in all different shapes and sizes. Pick a style that is not only comfortable, but looks good![15]
- Test them out before buying to make sure they suit your needs. If you're buying your pair at a store, bring a book with you to test out a pair of glasses and make sure that they're right for you. If you are wearing your glasses and still have to hold written materials away from you, consider a stronger pair. You also want to make sure that a potential pair rests comfortably on your face.[16]
- Inspect each pair of glasses for damage or flaws. Examine a potential pair for bubbles, waves, or damage on the lens itself. A good pair of reading glasses should have a uniform lens that is free from any blemishes or defects. Because reading glasses are not subject to FDA labeling rules, the quality between pairs can vary wildly.[17]
- If you're buying a pair of reading glasses online, check to see what the return policy is before buying them. You don't want to get stuck with a pair that doesn't fit.
- Talk to your doctor about prescription lenses if it isn't working out. If you find it difficult to get used to your new reading glasses, it may be that you need prescription lenses. Pay attention to how your glasses help with your vision while you're wearing them. If you find yourself pushing your books away from your eyes even while wearing your reading glasses, you may require greater magnification that what reading glasses can offer you. It may also be possible that your eyesight has changed since your last eye exam![18]
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| How to Add a Speaker to Alexa Posted: 10 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT This wikiHow article teaches you how to add a speaker to Alexa. All of the Amazon Alexa devices – including the Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Show, and Echo Dot – have built-in speakers, but they can be easily added to external speakers. EditAdding a Bluetooth Speaker - Activate pairing mode on your Bluetooth speaker. Most Bluetooth speakers have a pairing button that you will have to hold down. If you are uncertain, review your Bluetooth speaker's user guide for more information.
- Select your Echo from the tab in the Alexa app. The "Devices" tab is the leftmost button in the Alexa app's bottom menu. From there, you will see a list of your connected Amazon devices.
- Select . After selecting your device, you'll see a number of options, including "Bluetooth Devices."
- Tap and select your speaker. Selecting this option will begin the pairing process, and you'll be able to select your Bluetooth speaker from the list of available devices.
EditAdding an External Speaker - Find or purchase a 3.5mm audio cable. If you do not already have one, purchase a 3.5mm audio cable – also known as an aux cord – that has male connections on each end.
- Plug one end of the audio cable into your Alexa device. On the back of your Alexa device, you should see two inputs: one for the power source and a round one for an audio cable. Plug the audio cable into the circular port.
- Plug the other end of the audio cable into your external speaker. Take the other end of the audio cable and plug it into the external speaker you wish to use. The location of the "Aux In" connection differs from speaker to speaker, so consult the speaker manual if you cannot locate it.
- Make sure both devices are turned on. Once the audio cord is connected to both devices, make sure they are both powered on and you will be all set. The next time you ask Alexa something or play music on the Echo, the sound will come out of the external speaker.
EditQuick Summary |
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