| How to Make a Tuna Melt Posted: 12 Apr 2022 05:00 PM PDT A tuna melt is a satisfying hot sandwich commonly available at restaurants. It's cheap to make and perfect for lunch. Want to make your own at home but unsure how? Read on and find out! [Edit]Ingredients - Canned tuna
- Mayonnaise (regular or light)
- Bread
- Cheese
- Butter
- Extras (lettuce, tomatoes, etc.)
[Edit]Mixing the Tuna Salad - Drain a can of tuna. Empty the can of tuna into a strainer or use the lid of the can to drain off most of the liquid. If you want to avoid more of the oil, you can also give the tuna a rinse under the faucet.[1]
- Solid white tuna generally makes a better tuna salad mix than chunk tuna. It's got a thicker, heartier meat, so it holds up better with the condiments. Use whatever kind of tuna you like best.
- Using a fork, mix the tuna with mayonnaise. In a bowl, break up the tuna in the mayonnaise, creating smaller chunks and coating the mixture in mayo. This makes basic tuna salad.[2]
- If you like smoother tuna salad, you can mix this up in the food processor as opposed to the bowl-and-fork method.
- If you like relatively dry tuna salad, you only need to add of mayonnaise. Be careful not to add too much at first. If you want more mayo, you can add more at any point. Use however much you like.
- If you don't like mayo, you can use any type of salad dressing or oil to bind together the tuna. Try using Italian salad dressing, or even just a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Brown mustard also makes for a good mayo substitute in tuna salad.
- Add condiments to taste. To make a basic tuna salad, add a tablespoon or two of pickle relish, a teaspoon of brown mustard, and pinch of dry dill. Salt and pepper the tuna salad to your desired taste. Mix thoroughly.[3]
- Onion and garlic make for good additions to tuna salad. Add a quarter teaspoon each of the dried versions for less potent additions, or chop up a small amount (half a clove of garlic, and an 1/8th of an onion) if you're into the raw version.
- Add whatever tastes you like. A pinch of curry powder and hot sauce can make for a spicy Indian style tuna salad, while some Parmesan, chopped green olives, spring onion, and dried oregano can be a delicious Mediterranean alternative. Experiment and find what you like.
[Edit]Making the Sandwich - Choose your bread and cheese. The tuna melt is basically a toasted or grilled cheese sandwich with the addition of tuna salad, so the only other essential is any kind of bread and cheese you like to eat. For a basic tuna melt, you can use simple white sandwich bread and a slice of yellow cheese.
- Rye bread and swiss makes for a delicious alternative. Parmesan and crusty Italian bread are likewise a good combination. Use whatever kind of bread and cheese you've got on hand, or whatever kind you like on other sandwiches.
- Heat up your skillet or pan. On medium-low heat, heat up your non-greased skilled until it's hot. Meanwhile, lightly butter your bread on both sides. Begin by toasting the first side of the bread. If you see it start to smoke, turn the heat down slightly and flip the bread over. Crisp both sides of both slices of the bread.[4]
- If you don't want the added calories of the butter, one alternative to a tuna melt is to toast the bread in the toaster and heat the tuna and cheese in the microwave. Scoop some of the tuna salad on a microwave-safe plate and lay the cheese slices over the top. Microwave in 10-15 second increments until the cheese is melted.
- When you've got your bread toasted, turn the heat down to low. In the skillet, assemble your sandwich. Lay the cheese slices down on both slices of bread to let them melt. Carefully scoop some of the tuna salad on one of the slices. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the heat melt the cheese and heat up the tuna salad.[5]
- Make sure to watch for smoke. If you've already toasted the bread too much it can burn rather quickly. Keep the heat on low and watch the sandwich carefully. It won't take long for the cheese to melt.
- Remove the sandwich from the skillet and put it together. Popular additions to the sandwich might include slices of tomato, raw onion, green pepper, or lettuce. Add arugula and yellow peppers for a spicy alternative.
- Finished.
[Edit]Warnings - Keep an eye on the heat you are using and don't walk away from the stove (especially if you are cooking on a high heat!).
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Pan/griddle
- Spatula
- Optional food processor
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Give Your Room a Makeover Posted: 12 Apr 2022 09:00 AM PDT Redecorating your room doesn't have to cost a lot of money—you can easily transform your space inexpensively. Start by decluttering your room so you're left only with things you truly need or love. Then, change the look of your walls, rearrange your furniture, update your favorite items with new finishes, or even replace a few pieces. Finish by adding accessories like a rug, artwork, and potted plants. Your room will look brand new in no time! [Edit]Decluttering Your Room - Throw away trash and remove unnecessary items. While this may not be the most fun part of giving your room a makeover, it is the most important! Put on your favorite playlist and get busy. Get rid of trash, throw away broken items, and put away things that don't belong in your room like dishes.[1]
- Mail and other papers can often pile up so go through these types of items and recycle anything you don't need to keep.
- Donate any items you don't want or need. Spend some time going through your stuff and ask yourself "When was the last time I used this?" If you haven't touched it in 6 months, let it go! If your goal is to truly transform your space, you've got to be willing to get rid of things you don't use. If you want to be really thorough, sort through everything in your room—all your books, shoes, clothes, pictures, jewelry, makeup, movies, CDs, knickknacks—everything![2]
- This is especially important for clothes and shoes -- if you don't wear it, you don't need it.
- For items that have sentimental value, consider storing them in another room or even under your bed or in your closet. That way, they aren't on display but you can still take them out and look at them when you're feeling nostalgic.
- Organize your belongings. Put your clothes and shoes away, tidy up your desk or office area, clear off your nightstand and dresser, and remove any items from the floor. Try to find a logical place for everything and take advantage of storage solutions.[3]
- You can clear off your closet floor by utilizing an over-the-door shoe organizer, put away school and office supplies in desk drawers or bins, and use vertical space by displaying items on a bookcase.
- Clean your room. Now that you've gotten rid of items that don't belong in your room as well as things you don't want to keep, it's time to break out the cleaning supplies. Thoroughly cleaning your room can make a big difference in how it looks! Take the time to dust all your surfaces and sweep and mop or vacuum your floor. Be sure to work from the top of your room down to the floor for best results.[4]
- Don't forget to clean your blinds (if you have them), clear out the stuff under your bed, and pick up anything on the floor.
[Edit]Changing the Look of Your Walls - Paint your walls for a simple solution. Changing the color of your walls can make a dramatic impact on the way your room looks. Choose a color you love that complements items you know you're going to keep and display, such as a dresser or favorite piece of artwork. Start by moving everything away from the walls and masking the baseboards and ceiling. Apply a coat or 2 of primer and let it dry fully. Then, paint the walls with a roller using long, even strokes.
- To make your room look more airy and open, choose a light color such as white, gray, or yellow.
- For a more dramatic effect, you can paint one wall a bold color and the rest a subtle hue.
- There are tons of cool paints to try, like chalkboard paint or magnetic paint.
- Hang wallpaper to instantly transform your space. If you have the time and don't mind putting in the effort, hanging wallpaper adds texture and drama to your walls. Pick a color or pattern you truly love since wallpaper is more difficult to remove or redo than simply painting the walls. Measure your room before purchasing wallpaper and be sure to get a little extra in case of any issues.
- If your wallpaper is patterned, take care to line up the pattern when you add a new strip!
- You can use removable wallpaper if you don't want to commit to the print or color permanently.
- Install shiplap to create a fun, nautical feel. If you want something a little less common, you could cover your walls in shiplap, which is a type of siding composed on horizontal boards. You can use interlocking shiplap boards or even simple boards cut to the length of your walls. Work your way from the bottom of the wall to the top.
- You can do all your walls for a cohesive look or even install shiplap on a single accent wall.
- Paint the shiplap white for a clean, nautical feel or simply stain the wood for a more natural look.
[Edit]Updating and Arranging Your Furniture - Swap out your old furniture for new pieces for a dramatic change. If you really want your room to look different and have some money to spend, you can buy new furniture. You don't have to replace everything—a new dresser, desk, or armchair can make a big impact. Choose statement pieces that match the vibe you want to create. A sleek white desk would be a great addition to a modern room while a brocade armchair is best for a more traditional space.
- If you're on a budget, check garage sales and thrift stores for second-hand furniture. You may also be able to find free pieces online through sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
- Paint your furniture for a quick and easy makeover. Even if you can't afford to buy new furniture, you can still make it look different. Stick with bright white for a chic, modern style or paint it your favorite hue to add a pop of color. Be sure to remove the hardware first, put the furniture on a drop cloth, and use paint formulated for whatever surface you're working with.[5]
- You can even add new hardware, like pretty drawer pulls, to further change the look of your furniture.
- Rearrange your furniture to create a whole new look. One of the easiest ways to make over your room is to rearrange it! If your bed is in a corner, move it to the center of the room against a wall. If your desk is on the west wall, move it to the east wall. Just be sure to keep the flow of the space in mind and make sure you can easily access the door.[6]
- You can create little alcoves or nooks dedicated to your favorite activity. For instance, place a comfy chair, a lamp, and a blanket in the corner for a cozy reading nook. Or, set up a gaming chair and mini fridge near your TV if you love to play video games.
- Swap out your bedding for an instant upgrade. To easily give your room a new look, splurge on a new comforter and sheets. Pick a large-scale pattern for a bold look or a solid color for a more traditional feel. Add a few decorative pillows and set a folded blanket across the bottom fourth of your bed for an upscale vibe.[7]
- Choose a pattern or color that you love and that works well with your furniture and accessories.
- If you can afford it, go for sheets with a high thread count and an eiderdown comforter. You'll love lounging on your new bedding.
- Add a headboard to make your bed a focal point. Your bed is the staple piece of your room so adding a headboard or swapping out an existing one can make your room look totally different. Choose a style that reflects the rest of your space, such as one with curves for a feminine room or a studded headboard if you have an edgier vibe.[8]
- You can create tons of cool headboards yourself, like an upholstered headboard, a faux leather headboard, or even a light-up headboard!
- Put a canopy over your bed for a romantic accent. A canopy can easily give your room a whole different feel. If you're the romantic type, this might be just the thing for you. Opt for a traditional four-poster canopy or add some whimsy with a chandelier-style canopy.[9]
- White, gauzy tulle creates a soft, feminine look, while rich brocade gives off a sophisticated vibe.
[Edit]Accessorizing Your Space - Install window treatments to create a finished look. Bare windows can make your room seem dull. Hanging curtains in a fun print or bright color can make a huge impact on the look of your room! Let them puddle on the floor for a luxurious look or choose a shorter style for a more modern take.[10]
- Choose curtains in colors that complement your existing paint and decor. For instance, pick a color in your favorite photo or piece of artwork and choose curtains in that color.
- If you're not a big fan of curtains, opt for blinds instead. They're available in lots of different materials and colors, so you're sure to find a style you like.
- Hang art on your walls to add interest. If your walls are mostly blank, an easy way to give them a makeover is to hang up artwork. Pick pieces that you love so you'll enjoy looking at them for years to come.[11]
- You can opt for a large statement piece or even create a gallery wall with smaller framed pieces.
- Head to thrift stores to find cool artwork and frames for cheap.
- Add a rug to create coziness. Monochromatic flooring can look drab. Whether you have carpet, vinyl, laminate, or wood flooring, you can easily break it up by adding a large rug in the center of your space or even a small rug under your desk or chair.[12]
- If you don't have a lot of prints in your room, go for a patterned rug. If you do have a lot of patterns, stick with a solid-colored rug.
- Place a bench at the end of your bed for an elevated look. A bench not only makes the room feel finished, it's functional, too. It can be used for seating or you can display a nice throw pillow and a few decorative pillows.[13]
- If you need more storage space, use a bench that opens so you can put clothes, blankets, or other items inside when you're not using them.
- Create a display on your dresser to draw the eye to your favorite items. If you have artwork or knickknacks that you love, put them to good use by displaying them on your dresser. Aim to create visual balance by grouping items in threes and varying the height of the pieces.[14]
- For instance, you could put a tall vase full of flowers in the center of your dresser and frame it with candles and photos. Add a few small collectibles, like statues or figurines, and voila!
- Install a chandelier for an elegant vibe. If you like a romantic, whimsy feel, install a chandelier in the middle of your ceiling. The soft glow and sparkle will make your room feel lush and elegant.[15]
- If you're not into the idea of adding a chandelier, install some pendant lights or add a few lamps. You can buy new lampshades cheaply to transform your old light fixtures.
- Set some plants around the space to add a pop of green. Nothing breathes new life into a room like some greenery. Pick out a few potted plants or flowers and space them around your room. The possibilities are endless, so head to a garden store and find a few plants that you think are beautiful.[16]
- Be sure to keep your room's light conditions in mind when choosing plants to ensure they'll thrive in your space. Don't forget to water them, either!
- For a minimalist look, opt for succulents.
- If you like something a little different, choose cacti.
- Pick 2-3 colors to use in your room. While it's fine to have other accent colors, if you use too many colors your room will look busy.
- Keep your room clean. In order to enjoy your new space, you have to keep it looking good.
[Edit]References |
| How to Build a Cat Condo Posted: 12 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT Cat condos are different from cat trees in that they contain more cubbies for the cat to hide in. They are great for houses with children or dogs because they will give the cat a place to hide in. This article will show you a few ways of creating a cat condo. It will also give you a few tips on how to encourage your cat to use the condo. [Edit]Making a Simple Cat Condo - Find a cardboard box large enough to fit your cat. If there is a large cardboard box that your cat already likes to sleep in, consider using that.
- Lay the box down on its side. If the box has a top part that folds down, cut it off using a box cutter. You can also fold the flaps inward and secure them with glue.
- Consider painting the box or covering it with fabric. You can paint the box using spray paint or acrylic paint. You can also cover it with glue and fabric.
- Apply acrylic paint using a wide paint brush or a foam brush. To reduce brushstrokes, apply the paint in thin layers. Let each layer dry before applying another one.
- If you are spray painting the box, go outside or work in a well-ventilated area. Be sure to cover your work surface with lots of newspaper.
- To cover your box with fabric: Cut five pieces of fabric. Each one needs to be large enough to cover each side of the box. Cover the box with glue, and press the fabric down onto it. Work on one side at a time.
- Place a towel or a fleece blanket inside the box. You can cut it down to fit inside the box, or just fold it. This will make the box more comfortable for your cat.
- Consider draping a curtain over the front opening of the box. Cats love dark, private places. Cut a piece of fabric that is the same with as your box, and about ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) taller. Draw a ½ inch wide line of fabric glue along the top edge, closest to the opening. Press the edge of the curtain down into the glue.
- Consider gluing a ½ to 1 inch wide ribbon all the way around the edge of the box opening. This will not only hide the top edge of the curtain, but also give the box some contrast.
- Place the cat condo in a place your cat will notice. To encourage your cat to use the box, scatter some cat treats or catnip inside the box.
[Edit]Making a Cardboard Cat Condo - Find two cube shaped boxes large enough for your cat to fit inside. Both boxes need to be the same size. A great place to pick up boxes is at an art store, an office supply store, or a post office. You can also ask your local shops for any shipping boxes. Most stores toss them out once they unpack their products.
- Use a pencil to draw a doorway in the first box. It must be large enough for your cat to craw through. Use your cat's whiskers as a guideline for the width. Cats will not go through anything they can't get their whiskers through.[1] The doorway can be any shape you want, but make sure that it is as close to the bottom edge as possible. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Set circle and paw print shaped doors about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) up from the bottom edge. Use a plate to trace the circle or paw pad. Use a small cup to trace the "fingers" of the paw.
- Set arched, square, and triangular doors right against the bottom edge.
- Cut the doorway out using a box cutter. If your box came flat or unfolded, slide a self-heating cutting mat inside box before you start cutting.[2] Be sure to erase any remaining pencil marks after you cut the doorway out.
- Secure the top and bottom of the first box, if necessary. If your box came flat or unfolded, put it together first. Glue the bottom flaps shut using tacky glue, wood glue, or white glue.
- Consider adding a window to the second box. Make it smaller than the doorway, and set it fight in the middle of the box side. You can make it any shape you want, but it might look better if it matches the doorway. Use a pencil to draw the shape, and a box cutter to cut it out. Carefully erase any pencil marks that are left over after you cut the window out.
- If your second box came flat/unfolded, slip a self-healing cutting mat inside before cutting it.
- Secure the bottom of the second box with glue. Do not secure the top part just yet. Once again, if your second box came flat or unfolded, put it together first. Glue the flaps shut like you did with the first box. You are leaving the second box open so that you can add a crawl hole into the floor later.
- Glue the second box on top of the first box and let the glue dry. Use a wide paintbrush or a foam brush to apply the glue to the top of the first box, and the bottom of the second box. Press both boxes together. The window and doorway can be facing the same direction, or they can be facing in different directions.
- Use a marker to trace a crawl hole in the floor of the second box. Place a plate down in the corner of the box, about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) away from both edges. Draw around the plate using a marker, and lift the plate away.
- Cut hole out using a box cutter. You may need to cut around the hole a few times in order to get through all of the cardboard layers. The hole needs to be large enough for your cat to crawl through. If the hole is too small, make it larger.
- Secure top of the second box and let the glue dry. Glue the top flaps shut using tacky glue, wood glue, or white glue.
- Consider painting the cat condo. You can paint both boxes the same color, or contrasting colors. If you want, you can even paint the inside rim of the windows and doorways a contrasting color. This will help them stand out more. You can use spray paint or acrylic paint.
- If you are using spray paint, be sure to cover your work space with newspaper. Paint outside or in a well-ventilated area.
- If you are using acrylic paint, apply the paint using a wide paintbrush or a foam brush. To get a smooth finish, apply several thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat.
- Consider adding a fleece blanket or a towel inside the cat condo. You can cut the blanket or towel down to fit inside your box, or you can fold it. You put it inside either floor of your cat condo, or even both floors. Do not glue the blanket or towel down; you want to be able to take it out so that you can wash it from time to time.
- If you are putting a blanket or towel on the second floor, make sure that you are not covering up the crawl hole.
- Set the cat condo down in a place where your cat will notice it. To entice your cat to use it, scatter some cat treats or catnip in both boxes.
[Edit]Making a Cat Condo Using Tables - Find two coffee tables. One needs to be cube-shaped while the other needs to be rectangular. Both need to be about the same width. It is fine if the rectangular table is a few inches/centimeters wider, however. The rectangular coffee table will make the bottom of the condo, and the cube-shaped one will make the top.[3]
- The cube-shaped coffee table should not have a shelf between the legs. It is fine if the rectangular one has a shelf, however.
- Consider painting the coffee tables. If the color does not appeal to you, you can always paint the tables. The quickest way to do this would be with spray paint, but you can use acrylic paint and a wide paint brush as well. You can paint both tables the same color. You can also paint them using contrasting colors instead.
- You will be gluing rope to some of the table legs in a later step. You might want to leave those legs unpainted.
- If you will be gluing some carpet down to the top of the square table (or the shelf on the rectangular table), leave that part unpainted.
- Place the square table on top of the rectangular table and secure it with wood glue or metal brackets. Position the square table at one of the narrow ends of the rectangular table. The other half of the rectangular table should be bare. This will create a shelf for the cat to sit on. If you left some of the legs unpainted, those legs should be facing the longer/bare part of the rectangular table.
- If you are using wood glue: paint the bottom of the square table's legs with a thick layer of wood glue. Place the table down on top of the rectangular table and let the glue dry.
- If you are using metal brackets: Take four L-shaped metal brackets, and screw them to the inside of each of the square table's legs. Set the table down on top of the rectangular table. Screw the brackets to the top of the rectangular table.
- Wrap sisal rope around two legs of the square table. Make sure that the legs you are wrapping are facing the shelf/bare part of the rectangular table. Scuff the entire leg up with rough sandpaper, then paint the first few inches/centimeters of the leg with wood glue. Wrap the rope around the leg until you cover the glue. Paint the leg with a few more inches/centimeters of glue, and wrap more rope around it. Keep painting glue and wrapping rope until you cover the entire leg. Repeat this step for the other leg.
- Consider wrapping some of the legs on the rectangular table as well. You can wrap whatever legs you want. They don't have to be right next to each other, like with the square table.
- These rope-wrapped legs will act as scratching posts for your cat, and save your furniture.
- Consider covering top of the square table with carpet. This will make it more comfortable for your cat. Measure the top of your square table and buy some carpet according to those measurements. Scuff the top with rough sandpaper, and paint the entire surface with wood glue. Paint the back of the carpet with wood glue, then press the carpet down onto the table top.
- If your rectangular table has a shelf, consider cover that with carpet as well.
- You can use any color of carpet you like. It can match the table color, or contrast it. For example, if your table is white, consider blue or teal for the carpet.
- Set the cat condo down where your cat will see it. Give your cat some time to get used to the condo. You can also encourage your cat to use it by leaving some cat treats or catnip on it.
[Edit]Making a Wooden Cat Condo - Get four cube-shaped boxes, each one 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) smaller than the last one. The largest box needs to have a top and bottom, but the smaller boxes only need a top. They don't need a bottom as they will be stacked on top of each other. The smallest box needs to be large enough for your cat to curl up inside.
- For a standard-sized cat, start with18 inches (45.72 centimeters) as your largest box. The other three boxes are as follows: 16 inches (40.64 centimeters), 14 inches (35.56 centimeters), and 12 inches (30.48 centimeters). If you have a large cat, such as a Maine Coon, you will need bigger boxes.
- The boxes can be made out of wood or cardboard. Wooden boxes, however, will be more durable.
- You can buy the boxes, or build them yourself using cheap wood or particle board. Use nails or wood glue to put the boxes together.
- Cut doorways and windows into the sides of the boxes using a saw. Each box needs to have at least one doorway. Use the width of your cat's whiskers as a guideline for cutting the doors. Cats will not crawl through anything that is narrower than their whiskers.
- You can make the windows and doors any shape you want, but circles and paw prints are the most popular.
- If you are adding windows, make them smaller than the doorways.
- Cut a crawl hole into the top corner of the three largest boxes. Use a small plate to trace the hole, and a saw to cut it out. Make sure that the hole fits inside the smaller box on top of it. Also, make sure that the craw holes are not in the same spot; you want them to be staggered.
- Keep in mind that you will be stacking these boxes. You don't want the holes to be peeking out from under the upper box.
- Paint outside and inside of the boxes. You can paint them using acrylic paint or spray paint. If you are using spray paint, wood outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. If you are using acrylic paint, apply the paint using a paintbrush or a foam brush. Apply the acrylic paint using many, thin layers rather than one thick layer. This will prevent any brush strokes.
- You can paint the boxes all the same color, or contrasting colors.
- You can paint the inside of the boxes the same color as the outside. You can also paint the inside a different color.
- Consider painting the inside rims of the doors and windows using a contrasting color. This will help them stand out more.
- Stack the boxes and secure them with wood glue. Place the largest box down on the floor. Cover the bottom edges of the second largest box with wood glue. Place the box down on top of the largest box, making sure that one of the corners and two of the sides are aligned. You will end up with a thick ledge around the smaller box. Repeat this process of the other boxes. Make sure that all of the boxes are aligned on the same corner.
- Make sure that the doorways are facing the ledges.
- Consider glue carpet down onto the boxes. This can make your cat condo cozier and more comfy for your cat. You can glue carpet down to just the inside floor of each box, or just the ledges. You can also glue carpet down to both the inside floor and the ledges. #* Consider gluing carpet down to the top of the smallest box. Your cat will likely perch on top of this box at some point. You might as well make it a comfortable perch.
- Place the cat condo in a place your cat will frequent. To encourage your cat to use the condo, scatter some catnip or cat treats inside it.
- Place the cat condo in a place your cat frequents. Your cat will be more likely to notice the cat condo. It may also help your cat that it is for her.
- Some cats will need a little more time to get used to the cat condo.
- Make your cat condo comfortable by leaving a soft blanket or towel inside. If your cat has a certain blanket she likes, consider putting that inside the condo as well.
- Consider painting your cat condo. You can paint it a solid color, or add pretty designs to it. You cat may not care about what it looks like, but doing this might help it match your room decor.
- Encourage your cat to use the condo by leaving some treats or catnip inside it.
- If your cat refuses to use the cat condo, consider selling or donating it.
- Encourage your cat to use the condo with toys. Consider leaving your cat's favorite toy inside the condo. If your cat likes to chase string or cat teasers, consider guiding your cat into/onto the cat condo with it.[4]
- Reward your cat when she uses the condo with affection and attention. It may take some time before your cat uses her condo. When she does, give her lots of attention. If she likes getting scratched under the chin or behind the ear, do that. If she likes a certain cat treat, give her a few.[5]
[Edit]Warnings - Be careful of the types of toys you leave inside the condo. Don't leave anything that will come apart easily or that your cat can choke on.
- Do not force your cat to use it. If you do, your cat will start to associate bad things with it and avoid it.
- Make sure no cats are nearby while you make this. Cats are curious creatures. The last thing you'd want is to get paint on your cat.
- Some cats just don't like cat condos. If your cat does not use the cat condo, try scattering some cat treats or catnip inside.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Making a Simple Cat Condo - 1 cardboard box
- Glue
- Fabric or paint
- Blankets
[Edit]Making a Cardboard Cat Condo[6] - 2 cardboard boxes, same size
- Glue
- Box cutter
- Self-healing cutting mat (optional)
- Fleece blanket or towel (optional)
- Paint (optional)
[Edit]Making a Cat Condo Using Tables[7] - 1 square coffee table
- 1 rectangular coffee table
- 4 metal brackets and screws (optional)
- Wood glue
- Spray paint
- Sisal rope
- Carpet
[Edit]Making a Wooden Cat Condo - 4 cube-shaped boxes
- Wood glue
- Paint
- Carpet
- Saw
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Grow Roses Posted: 11 Apr 2022 05:00 PM PDT Would you like to become a Rosarian? Roses, symbolic of love and beauty, have been growing wild and in gardens for thousands of years. To grow gorgeous roses, it's important to choose varieties that grow well in your region and take measures to help them thrive season after season. [Edit]Preparing for Planting - Choose rose varieties. Did you know there are 13,000 varieties of roses?[1] Some roses grow better in certain regions than in others. When you're choosing what type of rose to grow, take some time to research the specifics of your growing region, then look for roses that have characteristics you find appealing. Take their shape, size, and color into account when choosing varieties to grow. Roses fall into the following categories:
- Hybrid tea roses are beautifully shaped, colorful roses that often make appearances in flower shops and as part of bouquets.
- Floribunda roses are the most colorful of all the varieties. Each bush has many blossoms, rather than just one to a stem.
- Grandiflora roses are a cross between the hybrid tea and Floribunda roses, and they grow to be quite tall with several rose clusters to a stem.
- Climber roses can be trained to stretch vine-like along fences and walls.
- Miniature roses are intricate and tiny, perfect for planting in a container.
- Shrub and landscape roses are quite hardy, resistant to pests and disease. They come in many colors, shapes and sizes.
- Tree roses are roses that have been grafted to a long stem, giving them the appearance of trees. They require a bit more care than some of the other types of roses.
- Buy bare root or potted roses. Once you've picked out the types of roses you want to plant, decide in what form you want to buy them. Bare roots are the roots of roses that are planted directly into the ground. You can also buy young roses that have already been planted in a small pot, and transplant them to the ground or another pot. Either type may be purchased in a nursery. Rare rose varieties may be found online.
- Bare root roses are planted in early spring, giving them time to take root before sprouting several weeks later when the weather warms up.
- Potted roses can be kept inside during the winter, then placed outside in the spring.
- Get rose gardening supplies. Aside from the bare root or potted plant itself, you'll need a few other supplies to get your rose garden started. Go to your local nursery or check out online retailers to pick up the following:
- Pruning shears. Pruning roses keeps them healthy, promotes the growth of blooms, and keeps them in a pretty shape. Shears are essential equipment for growing roses. Get small curved-edge shears and larger lopping shears.
- Gardening gloves. Protect yourself from thorns with a thick pair of gloves.
- Fertilizer. Roses should be fed with fertilizer a few times a season. You can buy fertilizer specifically formulated for roses, but this is not strictly necessary.
- Mulch. Mulching rose beds can help keep pests away and distribute more nutrients to the roses. Get wood chips, pine needles, peat nuggets, or another type of mulch suitable for your area.
- Compost or rose planting mix. Mixing this with the soil when you plant the roses helps them grow.
- A shovel and spade. You'll need these to dig holes when you plant the roses.
[Edit]Planting Roses - Decide on a planting spot. You'll need a spot that gets at least 6 hours of good sunlight a day. Choose a spot that's not crowded with the roots or branches of other plants and trees.[2] The soil should be loose and have good drainage; if yours has a lot of clay, loosen it and add some gypsum pellets before planting.
- Roses do best when the soil has a pH of 6.3-6.8.[3]
- To determine whether a site has good drainage, walk around it after a good soaking rain. If the soil is damp, but not waterlogged, it should be fine. If you see puddles or large mud spots, you'll need to find another site or work on this one to make it more conducive to growing roses.
- Water the roses to prepare them for planting. If you're planting bare roots, soak them in a bucket of water for a few hours before planting. If you're planting a rose you bought in a pot, water it thoroughly before you prepare the planting bed.
- Prepare a large hole. You'll need one for each rose bush you're planting. Use a garden spade or shovel to dig a hole wide and deep. The measurements don't have to be exact, but a hole this wide and deep will be suitable for most roses. Mix the soil you removed from the hole with compost, and use some of it to form a small mound in the base of the hole. Add some bonemeal or rose fertilizer.
- If you're planting more than one bush, allow several feet of space in between, so the roots have room to grow and stretch.
- Plant the roses. Place the bare root or potted rose on top of the mound. Use a shovel to fill the hole back up with soil. The rose's bud union should be located about below the surface of the ground. If you live in a colder region, you may need to plant your roses deeper to protect them from low temperatures.
- If you're planting a potted rose, loosen the soil around its roots to expose them before planting it in the hole.
- Make sure the soil is firm around the roots; press down with your hands to remove any air pockets.
- Water the roses. Thoroughly watering the area where you planted the rose helps compact the soil against the roots, stabilizing the plant. Make sure it gets a good soaking right after you're finished planting.
- Add mulch to the rose bed. Place mulch over the area where you planted the rose. If you planted a potted bush, place the mulch around the stem. This will keep the temperature consistent and protect the roses during the early stage of growth.
- Grow your roses indoors, alternatively. You can also raise roses in a greenhouse. You'll need containers that are at least wide. Spread of small pebbles at the bottom of each pot to ensure good drainage and fill each with halfway with well-draining soil. Plant the roses just beyond the graft point and then water well.[4]
- Place your containers somewhere sunny in the greenhouse and arrange them so that the roses don't shade each other out. They will need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
- Prune the plants severely after planting, trimming each branch back about from the main stem.
- Water the plants so that the soil stays slightly moist, but don't allow the water to touch the stems or leaves. Mulch the containers with a 2-inch layer to retain moisture in the soil, and fertilize the plants with water-soluble rose food every two weeks once new growth begins.
- Keep your greenhouse temperature at around during the day and 40 degrees at night for optimal growth.
[Edit]Caring for Roses - Be aware of your variety's needs. Rose care will depend a lot on the variety you're raising. Some roses like William Baffin and Lady Hillingdon climbing roses are more drought tolerant, for example, while others need more water. Some varieties can withstand less sunlight than others. Rose varieties should also be pruned differently depending on the variety and your climate area.
- Be sure to read up on the variety of rose that you are raising and know what it needs in terms of care. A hybrid tea rose has to be pruned back much more severely than a floribunda, for example, while old garden roses need only light grooming.
- Water them frequently in the summer. In very general terms, roses need a lot of water to grow healthy. Don't let the soil dry out; when you see it getting dusty give the roses a deep watering. For established plants, and depending on your region, you'll need to do this about once a week.
- Fertilize the roses. After they are established, roses should be fertilized a few times per growing season. Use fertilizer (either liquid or granule) in early spring, when you see the first few leaves sprout. Use it again after the first bloom, and again if there's another bloom. Stop fertilizing the roses at the end of the summer, just before Labor Day.
- Some fertilizers are slow-release, so they don't have to be applied as often.
- Don't over-fertilize the roses; this can lead to disease.
- Try cow, goat or manure made of kitchen waste to help them to grow better.
- Prune the roses. Pruning roses keeps them both beautiful and healthy. The goal is to clear away crowded areas to open up the bush, which helps prevent rotting and disease. The pruning strategy differs according to the season, but the cut you make is always the same: prune just above a bud eyes, the areas where branches form. They look like small circular swells and are usually located above a set of mature leaves. Make a down-slanted cut on an outward-facing bud eye.
- It's very hard to over-prune a rose, since new growth is always directed to the next closest bud eye. Keep this in mind when you choose bud eyes to prune, as it will affect the shape of your rose bush. Remember that the key is to prune with an eye toward opening the bush's growth up to allow for air circulation.
- In the late winter or early spring, trim the dead canes away. Cut away the rootstock, also called suckers, which are smaller offshoots of the main plant that suck away the nutrients from the rosebush. Leave 8 or so canes, trimmed back to 1/3 of their height. This will promote healthy growth as the weather warms up.
- In the summer, remove deadheads, which are dead blooms. This encourages new blooms to grow.
[Edit]Protecting Roses from Weather and Disease - Protect the roses over the winter. Roses that are left tall may be damaged by heavy winds and frosts during the winter. Trim the canes down to . Tie them together with twine, to help protect them from inclement weather. Heap a mound of compost around the base of the bush, then top it with a layer of straw. When the weather warms to above 51 degrees, remove the compost mound.
- Spray aphids and spider mites off with water. These mites are quite common among most of the rose varieties. Using water is the most effective way to get rid of these pests. Use the hose to spray them away when you see them on your rose plants. Keeping the roses adequately watered also helps reduce pest infestations.
- Use insecticides sparingly. They can end up harming your roses and other plants in your garden, and kill bugs that are actually helping your plants.
- Remove leaves that look discolored and shriveled.
- If mites continue to be a problem, try making a solution of dish soap and water and spraying that on the rose leaves once a week.[5]
- You can buy natural rosemary oil pesticide to spray on the leaves; this discourages mites without killing beneficial insects.[6]
- Protect your roses from black spot and powdery mildew. Choosing varieties that are resistant to these common diseases, such as knockout roses, is your best bet. You can also protect your roses by using a fungicide at the beginning of the season. Go to your local nursery to ask about how to best protect plants from these diseases in your region.
- A good watering system is very important for any garden and especially for rose bushes, which can be sensitive when watered overhead.
- if you want, you can mix a little lemonade into their water on sunny days.
- Clip your roses once the bush is established to make a pretty bouquet for your home.
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