| How to Grow Pea Sprouts Posted: 11 Jan 2021 04:00 PM PST Fresh pea sprouts are jam-packed with tons of healthy micronutrients and have a delicate, sweet flavor that's hard to resist. The sprouts are also super fast and easy to grow—once you plant the seeds, the first crop will be ready to harvest in about 3 weeks! Use your fresh, tender sprouts in green salads or blend them into your favorite smoothie recipes. [Edit]Seed Prep - Soak pea seeds in tap or filtered water for 8-24 hours to soften them. Pour your seeds into a bowl and cover them with unchlorinated water. Leave the bowl where it won't be disturbed for 8-24 hours so the seeds can soak. This softens the seed casings and speeds up the germination process.[1]
- Buy packets of English pea, snap pea, or snow pea seeds online or at your local nursery.
- If you're growing spouts outside and it's still pretty chilly, it's fine to soak the seeds a little longer as long as you don't go over 72 hours.[2]
- Grab a shallow tray or container with plenty of drainage holes. Your planter or container only needs to be deep since sprouts won't have time to develop extensive root systems. Any shallow container or wooden box will do the trick as long as it has plenty of holes in the bottom for the water to drain through.[3]
- Buy plastic planting trays from a gardening supply store, or improvise by using leftover blueberry or raspberry containers.[4]
- You can sow seeds directly in the ground, but it's easier to control growing conditions in containers. The tiny sprouts are ready to harvest in 2-3 weeks.
- Seedlings grow close together in damp soil, so drainage is crucial to prevent mold and root rot.
- Spread a layer of compost or soil in your planting tray. Commercial potting soil and organic compost both work great for sprouts. Pour a thin layer of soil or compost into the bottom of your tray and spread the surface out evenly.[5]
- A soilless indoor growing medium also works well. Pea sprouts aren't particularly finicky![6]
- Never use fresh manure, like chicken or cow manure, for growing sprouts since this can contaminate them.[7]
- Moisten the soil or compost generously with water. Fill a spray bottle with water and mist the top of the soil until it has the consistency of crumbly brownie mix. If you aren't sure, just grab a handful of it and squeeze. If a few drops of water come out, the soil is ready. If a steady stream of water runs out, it's too wet. Mix in a little soil to balance it out.[8]
- You don't have to pre-moisten the soil, but it can speed up the germination process.
- Drain the seeds and place them on top of the soil apart. Dump the bowl of water and seeds into a fine-mesh strainer so the water passes through the bottom. Cover the surface of the soil with the seeds, taking care to put a little space between each seed.[9]
- Sprouts can grow close together, so don't worry about being exact. Just try to avoid overlapping the seeds.[10]
- You don't need to poke holes in the soil for the seeds. Put them right on top.
- Cover the seeds with of soil and mist the surface with water. Spread a thin layer of soil or compost over the seeds and use your hand to gently level the surface. Tamp the soil down lightly to get rid of any air pockets under the surface. Finish up by giving the surface a generous misting of water.[11]
[Edit]Germination and Harvest - Place the tray or container in a cool, shady area until the seeds sprout. Seeds germinate best when the soil temperature is and the air temperature is . If you put the tray in direct sunlight, the soil might get a little too hot, so a cool, shady spot indoors or outdoors is ideal.[12]
- Early fall and early spring are the best times to grow pea sprouts outdoors on your porch or balcony. They can survive a light frost, so don't worry about that too much.
- Mist the soil every day to keep it evenly moist. Moisture and proper soil temperature are all pea seeds need to sprout! Moisten the soil once a day and you should see baby sprouts peeking up through the soil in about 3 days.[13]
- If you don't see sprouts after 3 days, don't worry! It can take up to 7 days.[14]
- Move the container or tray to a sunny location once the seeds sprout. After the seeds germinate, move them to a sunny area so your baby sprouts can grow and thrive. They need about 6 hours of sunlight a day. A sunny window or bright spot on your porch or balcony are great options. Seedlings prefer cool weather and are perfectly happy with temperatures as low as .[15]
- If full sun is too warm for them, they'll do fine in partial shade.
- Keep misting the sprouts daily until they're tall. Keep the soil moist as your sprouts continue to grow. They're ready to harvest once they're a few inches tall, which should only take about 2-3 weeks. The earlier you harvest the sprouts, the more tender and delicate their flavor will be.[16]
- Technically, you can harvest the tiny sprouts after the first true leaves appear, which happens within a matter of days rather than weeks. Once the sprouts grow more leaves and get a couple of inches tall, they become "pea shoots." People often say "pea sprouts" when they're actually referring to pea shoots. It's a bit confusing, but the only difference is the amount of growth!
- Snip the sprouts off at the base with scissors to harvest them. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut each shoot above the lowest node at the base of the stem. To get a second harvest, keep the tray in the same place and continue misting every day. In about 2 weeks, you should be able to harvest again![17]
- You can do this up to 3 times before the quality of the sprouts starts to go down.
- Store your harvested sprouts in the fridge for 2-3 days. Nestle the harvested sprouts in a covered container and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat the sprouts, just rinse them off with cold water and use them to top salads or blend them into your favorite smoothie recipes.[18]
[Edit]Warnings - To prevent contamination, never grow your sprouts in fresh manure.[19]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Shallow, flat containers with drainage holes
- Pea seeds
- Bowl
- Compost or potting soil
- Spray bottle
- Fine mesh strainer
- Scissors
[Edit]References |
| How to Choose a Table Lamp Posted: 11 Jan 2021 08:00 AM PST A good lamp doesn't just light up the room, it can bring your whole space together! To find that perfect lamp, ask yourself a few simple questions about what kind of lamp features you need and consider what size table lamp to shop for. There are so many table lamps to choose from that it can feel overwhelming, but remember, you're sure to find a style that works in any space! [Edit]Table Lamp Features - Look for a dimmable table lamp to adjust the lighting in the room. Your lighting needs might change throughout the day, so table lamps with dimmable switches are a great option. You can increase the brightness as it gets darker in your room or lower it to a gentle glow if you want to soften the lighting.[1]
- Try dimmable table lamps in the bedroom if you and your partner have different lighting needs at night. You might like to stay up reading while they want to get some sleep, for instance.
- Shop for a lamp with a bendable arm if you want to focus the light. Working at a table or desk? You can bend a small arm down to direct light on your work or adjust an extendable arm so it doesn't create an annoying glare on your screen.[2]
- Bendable arm table lamps are also useful if you want to illuminate something on the wall behind the table like art or a photograph.
- Get a table lamp with a nightlight feature for overnight accent lighting. If you've got little kids in your home or you need a little light for getting up at night, look for a lamp that has a nightlight setting. Don't worry— you can still use the standard lamp lighting during the day.[3]
- Remember to place your lamp in a convenient spot if you plan to use the nightlight feature. For example, set the lamp on a table in your hallway if you frequently get up and walk to the bathroom at night.
- Buy a USB table lamp if you want to easily charge your electronic devices. Always running out of outlets? Newer lamps are sold with USB ports near the base so you can plug in your tablet or smartphone and charge it while you're in bed or relaxing in your living room.[4]
- This is a great option if you hate having cords stretch from the wall to your bed or seat.
- Purchase a lamp set to give a room a unified look. Big rooms usually need a lot of light so you'll probably want more than 1 lamp. Choose matching table lamps and set them at opposite ends of a console table for a striking style. If you don't have a long table in your entryway or living room, place matching table lamps throughout the room to make it look polished and put together.[5]
- You've probably seen this style trick in bedrooms. Matching table lamps look fantastic on bedside tables and they give much-needed accent lighting.
[Edit]Lamp and Shade Size - Pick a lamp that's the right height for your space without getting direct glare. There's no right or wrong size for a table lamp, but there are a few tips that can help you choose one that will fit the room. If you'll be sitting near the table lamp, the base of the shade should be at your eye level and if you're in bed, the base of the shade should come to your chin. This way, you'll get good lighting without direct glare. Need a hand getting started? In general, choose a lamp that's:[6]
- tall for the living room.
- from the top of the mattress for bedside tables.
- for a sideboard in the dining room.
- Select a lamp that's smaller than the table you're putting if on. Sure, you can put a table lamp on a small, decorative table, but it might overwhelm the space or the shade will stick out too far. In general, buy a table lamp that's not more than 1 1/2 times taller than the table you set it on.[7]
- Want to make a small lamp look bigger? Pair it with a larger shade or put it in a smaller room.
- Measure the lamp base height to find the diameter for your shade. Hold your measuring tape at the base of the lamp and measure up to the socket. Your shade's diameter should be within of this measurement. You can choose any style of shade, but this measurement gives you an idea of how wide the shade should be.[8]
- For example, if your table lamp's base height is , shop around for a shade that's between .
- Pick a shade that's 1/2 to 3/4 the height of the lamp. Choosing the right height for your shade might seem like a guessing game, but you want the shade to be 1/2 to 3/4 the height of the lamp so the proportions look correct. If your shade is too large, it can overwhelm the look of the lamp and could even cause it to tip over![9]
- A shade that's too small is also a problem since it might not cover up the lightbulb completely or it may just look out of place.
- Check that the lightbulb isn't visible below the shade. Not sure if your shade is big enough? There's an easy way to check! Just turn on the lamp and look at the bottom edge of the shade. If you can see the lightbulb, your shade is too small. There should be of space between the bulb and the shade.[10]
- Seeing the lightbulb might not seem like a big deal, but it can be too bright on your eyes if you're trying to read or relax.
- Some table lamps have adjustable height, so you could lower the shade to hide the lightbulb.
- Check that the harp isn't visible when the shade is on the lamp. If you're buying a shade separately from a table lamp base, make sure the shade sits on the lamp properly. You shouldn't see the harp, which is the metal frame that holds the shade in place. If you see it sticking from the bottom, choose a shorter harp or a larger shade.[11]
- Harps come in different shades and finishes— pick one that matches the finish of your lamp.
[Edit]Style and Shades - Choose a light-colored or thin shade if you want to illuminate your space. Are you trying to add a soft glow to your bedroom or add much-needed light to a dark living room? Look for a white, cream, or pale shade so it gives off the most light from the bulb.[12]
- Silk is a high-quality material for shades, but synthetic shades are easier to care for.
- Go for a dark shade to make a dramatic look. If you want a striking display of light in your room, pick a shade that's black or dark-colored. Some shades are even painted on the inside so the light is only visible from the top and bottom of the shade.[13]
- Try dark shades for a buffet table or the end of a hallway, for instance.
- Choose a shade shape that matches the lamp base. You don't have to be an interior designer to pair a shade with a lamp. Start by pairing shades with lamp shapes and see what you like![14]
- For example, try a drum, cylinder, or cone-shaped shade if the base of your table lamp is round or curved. Test out a pagoda or rectangular-shaped shade for a lamp with a square base.
- Match the lamp and shade style with the feel of your room. Look at the furnishings in your room and see if you can find a lamp that has similar elements. If your room has dark wood accents, a polished wooden lamp could complement it. For a clean, modern room, pick a simple ceramic lamp with a plain-colored shade.[15]
- Traditional lamps could be carved while quirky lamps might be made of twisted metal.
- If you can carry it, take your lamp base with you to the store when you shop for a shade. Instead of guessing whether or not a shade would work with your lamp, you can see exactly what looks great!
- On a budget? Thrift stores and estate sales are fantastic places to grab a deal on a table lamp.
[Edit]References |
| How to Measure Flour Without Measuring Cups Posted: 11 Jan 2021 12:00 AM PST Measuring cups are super handy when you want to quickly and accurately measure flour, but you might not always have them on hand. However, that doesn't mean you have to give up on the recipe you want to cook just yet! There are other ways to accurately measure out the quantities of flour you need using common utensils you can probably find around you in the kitchen. [Edit]Coffee Mug - Use a standard-sized coffee mug to roughly measure 1 cup (120 g) of flour. Look at the coffee mugs you have available and choose the one that is the most average size. Avoid using oversized mugs or small cups, such as tea cups.[1]
- If you're baking and your recipe calls for a very precise amount of flour, don't use this method as it's not precise enough. If you're recipe calls for an amount of flour within a range, such as 1-1.5 cups (120-180 g), this method could work. It could also work well if you just need an approximate amount of flour to dredge meat or other ingredients in.
- Note that standard coffee mugs range in size from about 8-12 oz (237-355 mL). Some state the size on the bottom.
- If you aren't sure how big your coffee mug is, use a 12 oz (355 mL) bottle of water to figure it out. Fill the bottle up if it's empty, then pour the water out into the mug until it's full. If the bottle is empty, the mug holds 12 oz (355 mL). If the bottle is 1/3 of the way full, the mug holds 8 oz (237 mL).
- Pour flour into the mug up to the rim. Set the mug down on your countertop, a cutting board, or another flat work surface. Slowly and carefully pour flour into the mug until it's full.[2]
- Don't scoop the flour with the mug because this compacts it a lot and you'll end up with more than a cup's worth of flour.
- Shake the mug gently to settle the flour about 7-8 mm below the rim. Grab the mug firmly by the handle or the sides. Shake it carefully back and forth, without lifting it off the flat surface, until the flour collapses and compacts to below the rim.[3]
- Another way to look at this is that you want the flour to be at about the same level you would typically fill the mug to with a beverage like coffee or tea.
- Pour more flour into the mug or use a spoon to scoop some out until you get it at the right level.
- If you need less than 1 cup (120 g) of flour, just fill the cup up less according to the amount you need. For example, if you need 1/2 cup (60 g) of flour, fill it up to about 7-8 mm below halfway.
[Edit]Kitchen Scale - Use a kitchen scale to precisely measure flour. A kitchen scale gives you the most accurate measurement possible. Choose this method when you want to precisely measure out flour for things like baking.[4]
- Even if you do have measuring cups, using a kitchen scale is a better way to measure flour out when you require very specific amounts.
- Place a mixing bowl on top of the scale and turn it on. Grab a large metal, glass, or ceramic mixing bowl and center it on the scale. Press the power button on the scale to turn it on and ensure that the scale reads "0."[5]
- If your scale is already on when you put the bowl on it, just press the "Tare" button to set the scale to "0" with the bowl on it.
- Pour flour into the bowl slowly until the scale shows the amount you want. Hold a bag or container of flour over the bowl and carefully tilt it until the flour starts pouring slowly into the bowl. Watch the numbers on the scale and stop pouring as soon as you get the correct amount of flour in the bowl.[6]
- Keep in mind that 1 cup of all purpose flour weighs 120 grams (4.25 oz).
- If you need to take away or add flour to get the amount exact, use a spoon to scoop the flour out of the bowl or transfer flour from the bag or container into the bowl until the scale reads the weight of flour that you need.
- Use a dinner spoon to approximately measure 1 tbsp (7.81 g) of flour. Scoop up a mound of flour with a standard dinner spoon. Give the spoon a gentle shake, so the excess flour falls off the mound.[7]
- Dinner spoons are also known as soup spoons.
- Measure out about 15.5 tbsp (121 g) of flour to get approximately 1 cup (120 g) of flour.
- Since spoonfuls are such small amounts of flour, it's OK to use the approximate measurement techniques in this method for any recipe, including baking.
- Fill a dessert spoon halfway to get approximately 1 tsp (2.6 g) of flour. Grab a small spoon that you would normally use for desserts like ice cream or cake. Scoop up enough flour to fill it about halfway.[8]
- Dessert spoons typically hold about 2 tsp (5.2 g) of flour.
- Measure out about 23 full dessert spoons of flour to get approximately 1 cup (120 g) of flour.
- Measure out about 1/2 tsp (1.3 g) of flour with a coffee stirring spoon. Pick the smallest spoon you can find, such as a spoon you would use for stirring sugar and cream into a cup of coffee or tea. Scoop up enough flour to fill the spoon completely with a small mound.[9]
- Fill a coffee or tea stirring spoon with flour twice to measure out 1 tsp (2.6 g) of flour as an alternative to filling a dessert spoon halfway.
- Measure out about 92 coffee stirring spoons full of flour to get approximately 1 cup (120 g) of flour.
- Use a liquid measuring cup to measure out flour if you don't have dry measuring cups. The measurements are almost identical.
[Edit]Warnings - If you're baking, it's always best to use measuring cups or a scale to measure out your flour accurately. Using approximate measurements could really throw off your recipe!
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Coffee Mug [Edit]Kitchen Scale - Kitchen scale
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon (optional)
- Dinner spoon
- Dessert spoon
- Coffee spoon
[Edit]References |
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