| How to Season Summer Squash Posted: 26 Jul 2020 05:00 PM PDT Summer squash includes varieties like zucchini, pattypan, crookneck, and zephyr squash. It's easy to cook and tastes great with just a couple of added ingredients. Season summer squash quickly with spices and herbs like parsley, salt, and pepper, or add ingredients like garlic or parmesan cheese for additional flavor. Feel free to get creative with your squash seasoning and try out different combinations! [Edit]Using Fresh Herbs and Spices - Add fresh parsley, mint, and thyme to cooked squash for a mix of flavors. Season cooked summer squash with each of fresh parsley, mint, and thyme. Do this by either measuring the herbs into a bowl and tossing the cooked squash in it or sprinkling a little seasoning on the individual cooked slices. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper onto the summer squash too.[1]
- Use of each fresh herb for 2 medium squash.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, use of dried herbs for every of each ingredient.
- This recipe is made by seasoning the squash after it's been cooked already, but you can try seasoning it beforehand if you'd like.
- Use salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for a quick and easy seasoning. Cook summer squash in a pan and add salt and pepper to taste. Chop up fresh parsley so that you have and add this to the squash. Mix everything together so it's well combined before serving it.[2]
- of chopped parsley works well for 2 squash.
- Use of dried parsley instead of of fresh parsley, if needed.
- Combine chives or scallions with summer squash for an onion flavor. Cut up the herbs so you have of chopped chives or 2 scallions. Add the chives or scallions in with sautéed summer squash, stirring it so it's thoroughly seasoned before serving.[3]
- This recipe calls for the squash to be mostly cooked before it's seasoned, with the chives or scallions added in towards the end.
- Mix fresh dill with olive oil to rub it onto your summer squash. Chop up 2.5 summer squash into slices of whatever thickness you prefer. Cut up enough dill so that you have of it when it's chopped. Spread the squash slices out and sprinkle olive oil over them so they're lightly coated. Add the dill on top of the squash and stir them all together so the dill is well distributed. Cook or grill the squash, and it's ready to eat![4]
- You could also mix the chopped dill and olive oil together and then use a basting brush to apply the mixture to the summer squash.
- If you don't have fresh dill, use of dried dill instead.
- Stir fresh basil leaves into cooked squash for a refreshing taste. Cook your summer squash in olive oil, adding in things like garlic and salt if you'd like. Chop up fresh basil leaves with a sharp knife and add them into the cooked squash. Stir the squash so the basil is mixed in well before eating it.[5]
- You might use 10 to 15 basil leaves for of summer squash (or of dried basil).
[Edit]Adding Other Foods for Flavor - Top the summer squash with bread crumbs and parmesan for a savory taste. Cut up your summer squash into thick slices and drizzle a light layer of olive oil over them. Mix of Parmesan cheese with of breadcrumbs in a bowl, as well as enough salt and pepper depending on your taste preferences. Spread the squash out and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the slices, topping them all evenly before baking the squash.[6]
- This recipe calls for of summer squash.
- Create a marinade by using vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme. Mix of white wine vinegar, of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (8.4 g) of minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons (1.8 g) of chopped thyme leaves in a bowl together. Stir in some salt and pepper and add of sliced summer squash. Toss the squash so it's seasoned well and pour all of the ingredients into a pan. Let the squash sit in the marinade for about 3 hours to 1 day.[7]
- The squash can sit in the marinade at room temperature for up to 3 hours, but if you're marinating the squash for a full day, place the pan in the fridge and cover it.
- Cook the summer squash once it has soaked in the marinade.
- Saute the squash in onion and garlic for a stronger flavor. Chop up 3 squash so they're in slices and cook 1 small chopped onion in an oiled pan until it's soft. Add the squash to the pan and cook them for about 8 minutes or until they have brown spots on them. Place 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and mash it into the pan as it cooks. Stir all of the ingredients together and add a little parsley, salt, and pepper depending on your taste preferences.[8]
- Combine your squash with chopped jalapeno, garlic, and red pepper for a spicy taste. Cut up a jalapeno pepper and cook it in a pan until it's slightly browned. Add in 2 cloves of sliced garlic and of crushed red pepper flakes to the pan, stirring the ingredients together as they cook. Put of sliced summer squash into the pan and saute them until they're soft and slightly browned too.[9]
- Sprinkle a little bit of lime juice over the squash for added taste, if you'd like.
- If you don't want to add too many seasonings to your summer squash, it's always okay to just stick with salt and pepper.
- Ground cumin or coriander are also good on summer squash.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid using as much dried herb as you would a fresh herb—dried herbs tend to have a stronger flavor.
[Edit]References |
| How to Turn a Bookshelf Into a Vertical Garden Posted: 26 Jul 2020 09:00 AM PDT A vertical garden is an excellent way to upcycle an old bookshelf! If you're jonesing for a fun and functional creative project, make it your own by painting the bookshelf and adding any other special touches. You can keep it inside or outside depending on where you want to showcase your favorite plants. However, if you're going for an outdoor vertical garden, be sure to check your USDA plant hardiness zone so you know your plants will stay happy and healthy. [Edit]Cleaning and Sanding the Bookshelf - Choose a hardwood or metal bookshelf you don't use anymore. If you recently found a bookshelf or want to upcycle your own, it might be perfect for your vertical garden! Try to pick one with at least 3 or 4 evenly-spaced shelves so you can fit lots of planters on each tier.[1]
- If you want to have tall plants, make sure the shelves are far enough apart to allow them to grow upward without hitting the shelf above.
- Check to make sure the shelves and sides don't show signs of rotting, cracks, or wobbly screws.
- Wooden bookshelves do better inside so the wood doesn't deteriorate from rain or harsh weather. However, you can waterproof it with a sealant so it stays in tip-top shape.
- Scrub down the bookshelf with a damp microfiber towel or sponge. For a hardwood shelf, spray a little water onto each shelf and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. For a metal shelf, dampen a sponge, pour of white vinegar onto it, and use that to rub the shelves clean. Put some elbow grease into it to get as much of the dust and grime off of the shelves and sides as you can.[2]
- For a lustrous finish on a metal bookshelf, rub on some stainless steel polish with a soft rag.
- Sand down a hardwood bookshelf if you want to paint it. Use a 150, 180, or 220-grit sanding block to get the shelves smooth to the touch. Hold the block firmly in your hand and move it back and forth along the grain (not side to side) with even pressure. Wipe away the dust when you're done.[3]
- If you don't have a sanding block, you can also cut a rectangle of sandpaper and wrap it around a small piece of wood.
- If you have an electric sander, follow the directions in the instruction booklet about how to load it and use it safely.
- A metal bookcase usually doesn't need to be sanded. However, a good sanding or scrub-down with steel wool can get rid of any rusty spots.
[Edit]Priming and Painting The Bookshelf - Apply acrylic primer if you're painting it with acrylic paint or keeping it outdoors. Grains of the wood can show through the final coat of paint later on, so use an acrylic primer to ensure your paint job looks great and lasts a long time. Apply it in long, even strokes with a wide paint brush and let it dry for at least 4 hours before adding your first coat of paint.[4]
- You can find priming spray at any home improvement or hardware store in the same aisle as the paint-on primer.
- You don't have to use a primer if you're keeping your bookshelf inside, but it'll help the acrylic paint stay on longer without chipping.
- If you want to stain the wood with a wood stain like oak, mahogany, or chestnut, apply the wood stain first and then paint or spray on the primer to lock it in.
- Paint the bookshelf with at least 2 coats of acrylic or water-based latex paint. Apply the paint in long, even strokes with a wide paintbrush or roller brush. Wait at least 4 hours for the first coat to dry before adding a second coat. If you'd rather use spray paint, move to a well-ventilated area and put on a mask. Shake the canister and hold it away from the wood. Spray the first coat on in long, even strokes then wait 4 to 6 hours to do another coat. It may take a while, but it'll be worth it for a customized bookshelf garden![5]
- Feel free to get creative with stencils if you're using spray paint and want to add some artful touches to your bookshelf. Use a floral stencil to go with a garden theme or use stencil lettering to write your name, words of encouragement, or your favorite quote onto the side of the shelf—the possibilities are endless!
- Choose warm colors like red, orange, or yellow to make the green leaves on your plants stand out. Or, you can choose deep red, purple, blue, or green to make it look calm and inviting. Bright white paint is a good choice if you want it to look clean and minimalist.
- Consider painting the vertical backs and sides of each shelf a different color from the rest of the wood to add some character and depth. For instance, you might paint the backs and sides of each interior shelf a soft white and make the rest of the wood baby blue.
- Be sure to paint or spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated room and put down some newspaper or a tarp to protect nearby surfaces.
- Wait at least 4 to 6 hours for the paint to dry completely. After the final coat is on, check the time so you know when you're ready to start gathering or potting your plants. If the bookshelf is inside, open a nearby window or set up a fan to help the paint dry faster.[6]
- The paint will be dry to the touch after just 1 or 2 hours, but it may still be prone to chipping or smudging so it's better to wait a full 4 to 6 hours.
- Protect a wooden outdoor bookshelf with a waterproof sealant. After the paint has dried completely, apply a water-based polycrylic sealant with a wide paintbrush. If you're using sealant spray, hold the canister away from the surface and spray it on in long, even strokes. Let it dry for at least 4 to 6 hours before you start to decorate the shelves with plants and other knick-knacks.[7]
- You can buy polycrylic sealant from any home improvement or hardware store.
- The sealant will look a little cloudy at first, but it'll dry clear to show off your beautiful paint job!
- You can also use an oil-based sealant like polyurethane but it's not a great choice because it emits toxic fumes.
[Edit]Adding Plants - Place the bookshelf in a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight. Put the vertical garden somewhere that works for most (if not all) of the plants' needs. Pick a spot that's spacious and easy to get to so you can water the plants when you need to. Make sure it's in an area that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct or indirect sunlight to keep your plants healthy and happy![8]
- If you're putting it outside, don't put it near your driveway or a child's play area—anywhere with heavy foot traffic is a bad idea because it may accidentally get knocked over.
- Install furniture anchoring hooks on either side of the shelf to hold it in place. Once your bookshelf is in place in front of a wall or fence, screw or nail furniture anchoring hooks or brackets into the wall behind the bookshelf on the left and right sides. Attach the other end of the anchoring hooks (at the end of each strap) to the back of the bookshelf either with nails or screws. The strap between the shelf and the wall should have very little slack so the bookshelf won't wobble or topple over.[9]
- There are different types of furniture anchoring kits so choose one that works for the material of your walls and the shelf (e.g., heavy-duty screws work best for cement board walls while nails will work for wood and drywall). You can buy them at any hardware or home improvement store.
- This is especially important if you live in an area with earthquakes or strong winds that might blow it over.
- If you're using a leaning bookshelf, definitely secure it to a wall!
- If you're keeping it inside or only putting a few small plants on it, it's okay to skip this step.
- Choose plants that thrive in your climate or have similar water and light needs. If you're putting the bookshelf outside, look up your USDA hardiness zone to see which plants do best in your region. And no matter where you put them, take note of the temperature, light, and water the plants require so you know how to keep them healthy. It's okay if they have slightly different watering needs but make sure the plants you choose all need the same amount and quality of light (i.e., direct or indirect) since they'll be in close quarters.[10]
- Make sure the plants won't grow so tall that they hit the bottom of the shelf above.
- Succulents are great indoor or outdoor plants that are often pretty stout and easy to take care of.
- Herbs like rosemary, dill, cilantro, and basil are great additions to an indoor or outdoor bookshelf—plus you'll get to enjoy them on your favorite dishes!
- As an example, you might put some succulents and herbs on the top shelf, geraniums and begonias on the center shelves, and ferns or bromeliads on the bottom shelf.
- Avoid vining crops or flowers that need a trellis to grow—these include tomatoes, beans, peas, nasturtium, Mandevilla, trumpet creepers, morning glory, bougainvillea, black-eyed Susans, jasmine, and clematis.
- Put the plants in small, well-draining pots filled with nutrient-dense potting soil. Either purchase, plant, or propagate the plants you want to put on your bookshelf. Go to your local garden supply store or nursery to buy starter plants if you'd rather not go through the hassle of germinating seeds and waiting for them to sprout.[11]
- Buying plants can be pricey, so look for special sales and buy smaller ones to save a few bucks.
- Most flowers and houseplants can be put in potting soil, but things like succulents and air plants need different types of soil (or none at all) to ensure the roots don't get too moist.
- If you're sowing the plant from a seed, fill containers with potting soil and stick the seed into the soil (or however deep the seed packet specifies). Water them every day until you see sprouts. Once they're tall, you can transfer them into larger pots.
- If you already have some plants you like, consider propagating them if possible. Pothos, prayer plants, African violets, gardenia, umbrella plants, rosemary, and philodendron are all super easy to propagate from cuttings.
- Arrange the potted plants on the shelves with the heaviest at the bottom. Put the heaviest containers on the bottom shelf and the lightest ones on the top to help the bookcase stay level and sturdy. Be sure to leave some space between the plants so they're not too cramped and having to fight for sunlight.[12]
- For example, say you have a large potted fern, a big rubber plant, a few medium-sized flowering plants, and some small herbs or cacti. Put the fern and the rubber plant on the bottom, the flowering ones on the middle shelves, and the small pots on top. However, if you have a flowering plant that needs more sunlight than the cacti (like a shasta daisy versus Thanksgiving or Easter cactus), swap them so each plant gets the light it needs.
- If you have trailing plants, put those on top so the leaves can hang down the sides and front of the bookcase.
- If a bottom shelf doesn't get as much light because of the way the bookshelf is facing, it's okay to put that plant on a higher shelf if it needs more light. Just make sure the bookcase is secured to a wall or fence so it doesn't topple over.
- Hang small vertical planters onto the sides of the bookcase to maximize space. If you want your bookshelf garden to be bursting with beautiful greenery and blooms, stick vertical planters onto the sides. You can hammer nails into the sides to hang traditional vertical planters or use extra-strength tacky hooks.[13]
- Bromeliads (sky plants), Spanish moss, pink quills, and orchids are all beautiful air plants that will add a touch of tropical charm to your garden. Just make sure they're suitable for your USDA zone if the bookshelf is outside.
- Vines like pothos, ivy, philodendron, and wandering jew are perfect for draping down the sides of the bookshelf. Plus, they'll thrive if you're keeping the bookshelf inside where there's only indirect lighting.
- Decorate your bookshelf with lights, art, and any other trinkets. If the bookshelf is inside, feel free to put a small lamp on the top shelf to illuminate your lovely garden. If it's outside, string outdoor twinkle lights around the top or along the shelves of the bookcase. Place picture frames, candles, decorative vases, jugs, small paintings, sculptures, or books on the shelf to add your own style.[14]
- If you're keeping it outside, don't put anything on the shelf that can be damaged by water. Stick to stone sculptures and maybe some small pictures or art pieces in weatherproof frames or frames that you don't care about getting damaged.
- You can also buy short strands of LED "fairy" lights to put on each shelf. Just make sure they're suitable for outdoor use if your garden is outside.
[Edit]Warnings - Double check that the shelves are stable and that the whole bookshelf is situated in a safe, sturdy spot.
- If you have pets and are keeping your vertical garden indoors, make sure to choose non-toxic plants.[17]
- Always put on a mask and goggles before you start standing wood. Never sand indoors because the wood dust can hang in the air long after you're done and may cause respiratory problems.[18]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Bookshelf
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
- Sponge
- White vinegar
- Fine-grit sanding block (or sandpaper and small wooden block)
- Acrylic or water-based latex paint
- Wide paintbrush or roller brush
- Stabilizing hooks or furniture anchors
- Potted plants (or seeds, potting soil, and pots)
- Polycrylic sealant (optional, for an outdoor wooden bookcase)
- Small vertical planters (optional)
- Paint primer (optional)
- Wood stain (optional)
- Stainless steel polish (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Dry Clothes While Camping Posted: 26 Jul 2020 01:00 AM PDT Whether you got caught in the rain, went fishing, or had to walk through a stream, wet clothes are just a fact of life while camping. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to dry out your wet clothes. The easiest way is an old-fashioned clothesline tied between 2 trees. If you don't have a rope, then there are a few other methods that can dry your clothes just as fast. [Edit]Setting up a Clothesline - Tie a rope between 2 trees in a sunny spot. An old-fashioned clothesline is the best method for drying clothes on a camping trip. Find 2 trees in a sunny spot and close enough together for you to tie a rope between them. Wrap the rope around both trees and tie a knot to connect the rope ends.[1]
- You don't necessarily need trees. Any kind of pole or stake will work as well.
- If you don't have rope, any other material that you can tie around a tree will work as well. Paracord, twine, or string can do the trick as well. Always include some materials like these in your camping pack.
- Try to find a spot with good airflow as well. A light breeze will dry your clothes much faster.
- Squeeze out all of your clothes to remove excess water. Your clothes will dry faster if you wring them out a bit before hanging them, especially if they're soaked. Squeeze and twist each wet item to get rid of excess moisture.[2]
- Try rubbing the clothes between your hands too. The friction can start evaporating some of the water.
- Drape your wet clothes over the rope with some space between items. After wringing the clothes out, hang each item over the rope. Spread and flatten each one out so it dries faster. Also leave a few inches of space in between each item so there's good airflow.[3]
- You could also pack some clothespins to help keep the clothes in place. This is helpful if it's windy.[4]
- Wait about 1 hour for the clothes to dry. Depending on how sunny and windy it is, the clothes could take between 20 minutes and 2 hours to dry. Check back in about an hour to see if they're dry enough. If not, leave them on the line to dry some more.[5]
- Keep an eye on the weather while your clothes are drying. If it gets cloudy, be prepared to bring your clothes into your tent quickly if it starts raining.
- Build a campfire a few feet away to speed up the process. The increased heat from a campfire will make the water evaporate faster. Build a campfire about from the clothesline and let it burn while the clothes dry.[6]
- Always follow campfire safety guidelines. Clear the area of any dry vegetation, dig a pit, and surround it with rocks to keep the fire contained. Always extinguish the fire with water or dirt before leaving it unattended.[7]
- Never put the fire directly under the clothes. This will burn them.
[Edit]Drying without a Clothesline - Wrap the wet clothes in a dry towel to soak up moisture. This method won't get your clothes completely dry, but it'll soak up a lot of water. Wring your clothes out a little and lay them on top of a dry towel. Fold the towel over the clothes and press it down. Leave the clothes there for 20-30 minutes while the towel absorbs the moisture.[8]
- Make sure the towel was completely dry before you start this method.
- Lay your clothes on a warm rock in the sun. If you don't have a rope or clothesline, then a warm rock can dry your clothes quickly. Lay any wet items flat onto the rock and make sure they aren't touching each other. Let them sit in the sun for about an hour.[9]
- The rock might be dirty, so try wiping it off a little before placing any clothes down.
- If you have several wet items, then you'll probably have to find more than one rock or dry your clothes in groups.
- If it's windy out, weigh down the clothes with smaller rocks or similar heavy items. Otherwise, they might blow away.
- Drape your clothes over the roof of your tent. Your tent is another good backup spot to hang wet clothes. Lay all the clothes out flat and leave some space between all the items. Check back in about an hour to see if the clothes need more time to dry.[10]
- Make sure the top of your tent isn't wet, especially if it rained recently. Wipe it down with a towel first.
- Since the tent won't be as warm as the rock, it'll probably take longer for clothes to dry here.
- Hang wet clothes on a string inside your tent if it's raining. If you have a rope or string but it's raining outside, you can try drying them inside your tent. Tie the rope across your tent and hang the wet clothes on it like a clothesline. Leave any windows open to increase the airflow in your tent and dry the clothes faster.[11]
- If the clothes are dripping, don't hang them over your sleeping bag. You might get wet while you're sleeping.
- The clothes will dry slower if it's raining because the air is damp. It'll probably take a few hours for your clothes to dry with this method.
- Tie wet clothes to your pack if you're traveling. If you're hiking and can't stop to set up a clothesline, you can still dry some clothes while you're on the move. Use clips or string and tie them to your pack. The wind and sun will help dry them out faster.[12]
- This is best for smaller items like socks and underwear, but you can try it on some larger pieces like shirts too.
- Check behind you every so often to make sure you don't drop any clothes.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - String or rope
- Campfire
- Tent
- Dry towels
- If your clothes got wet, change into dry ones before you go to sleep. You'll be more comfortable and will avoid hypothermia.[13]
- If you left wet clothes in a plastic bag, don't leave them in for more than a day or two. Otherwise mildew might start growing.
[Edit]References |
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