If warmer days have you yearning for a backyard barbecue, it’s time to get your grilling game on before the season is in full swing. For the best results on the grill, keep these tips in mind.
1. For those not sure which foods grill better than others, try grilling chicken thighs, which have a deeper, richer flavor than breast meat, or pork tenderloin, which can withstand the dry heat of the grill and stay moist. Salmon, tuna and swordfish steaks also grill well because they are thick and crumble less than other types of fish.
2. A grill is not an oven, so don’t walk away from it when it’s on. Organize what you’ll need ahead of time to avoid running back and forth to the kitchen.
3. Before cooking, use tongs to dip paper towels lightly into oil and swipe over the grates. After cooking, always scrape hot grill grates clean with a wire brush so future grilled foods release easily.
4. If the meat or fish sticks to the grill, it’s not ready to be flipped. Let it sit for another minute or two.
5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking. Safe internal temperatures for grilled foods are: •Ground Beef – 160 degrees Fahrenheit
•Medium Steak – 140 degrees Fahrenheit
•Medium Pork – 150 degrees Fahrenheit
•Poultry – 165 degrees Fahrenheit
•Seafood – 145 degrees Fahrenheit
6. For maximum flavor and juiciness, let meat rest 5-10 minutes before cutting or serving
Whether it’s just a vibrant pop of pretty petals you want added to the front of the home or a raised bed full of delicious fruits and vegetables, the return of warmer weather has many homeowners reaching for their gardening gloves.
If you’re ready to try out your green thumb or dust off the gardening skills you long ago acquired, there are plenty of ways to achieve the lush vegetation you desire. Check out these tips and tricks for cultivating a thriving and productive garden of any variety.
Start with a plan. Different flowers and plants require different sun, soil and water needs. Keep these factors in mind and consult the seed packets to plan out where each should be placed. Many apps are available to take the guesswork out of gardening, helping you create a perfectly organized plant or flower bed. Some even offer reminders for watering, fertilizing and more.
Keep water in mind. Make sure your plan includes a close proximity from plant bed to the water supply.
Be smart with soil. Whether it’s a flower or vegetable garden bed or containers, the secret’s in the soil, where roots develop and sustain life. Invest in the proper tools to keep this foundation strong, such as Professional Soil Modifier from Profile Products, which improves water and nutrient retention, keeping vital elements in the root zone longer. For more information, visit www.profilegrow.com.
Plant close to home. If you have room, try to grow your plants as close to the home as possible. This makes watering less of a task, and also makes it easier to get to your precious vegetables when it’s time to harvest.
Opt for a permanent solution. There’s no doubt that gardens require seasonal upkeep, but you can find some ways to ease the tasks. One such solution is Professional Soil Modifier from Profile Products, which permanently improves the root zone by adding air- and water-holding capacity in all types of soil (unlike peat that needs to be tilled into gardens each year). The result is better drainage when it’s wet, better water-holding capacity when it’s dry, deeper root growth and healthier plants.
Label away. Know exactly where you planted each seed with cute, natural labels. Simply use a permanent marker to mark each plant name on stones in front of each plant row.
Be a green gardener. Always opt for eco-friendly, pesticide-free products to use in your garden, when possible. Products filled with chemicals can be harmful to animals when carried through the air with wind.
So, dust off that shovel, tighten up the hose and get to growing. Once you have the right plan in mind, you’ll be on your way to achieving the flower or fruit and vegetable garden of your dreams.
Source: Equity Prime
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