The greenhouse is the gardener's ally. Plants are protected from climatic hazards. In this small building, there is a kind of microclimate, which prolongs the winter harvest and makes it possible to obtain fruits and vegetables earlier in the season. There are a number of things to consider when choosing a garden greenhouse that meets your own expectations.

Which model is right for you?

First of all, to choose the best garden greenhouse, you need to think about the model that best suits your needs. There are indeed several types.

Thus, your choice can be the traditional greenhouse. It is a fixed construction, which resembles a small house. Very bright, it can be equipped with blinds, to provide a little shade to the plants.

For its part, the tunnel greenhouse consists of large metal hoops, on which a very thin plastic film is placed. Light penetrates more, which promotes the early growth of plants. It can be equipped with a ventilation system.

Leaning against a wall, some greenhouses capture the heat of the sun better. Smaller, models are installed on a terrace or balcony. To advance the cultivation of certain vegetables, it is better to resort to a frame greenhouse, which is very small in size.

A question of temperature

Greenhouses are also distinguished by the temperature that prevails there. If you want to grow hardy plants, which are not afraid of fairly low temperatures, choose a cold greenhouse.

In this case, only solar heat, stored by the greenhouse, activates plant growth. On the other hand, the temperate greenhouse is equipped with a heating system. By keeping the ambient temperature at a certain level, it protects vulnerable plants from frost damage.

Good insulation and a thermostat system help maintain a constant temperature. Finally, the hot greenhouse, available in your online garden center, is designed for tropical plants, which only flourish in higher temperatures.

The materials of the structure

Another element to consider is the choice of materials. It is first necessary to look at the question of structures.

For the traditional greenhouse, some prefer wood, which fits better into the decor of the garden. It is also a good insulator. It is better to choose a species treated against weather and insects.

For its part, the tunnel greenhouse is provided with a metal structure. Galvanized steel is resistant and not susceptible to corrosion. As for aluminum, it is lighter and leaves more room for glazing.

What are the walls made of?

The walls of the greenhouse are sometimes coated with polycarbonate. He; It is a thin and light plastic, which stands out for its qualities of insulation and light filtration.

We can also use agricultural glass, which has the particularity of not yellowing over time. But tempered glass or polyethylene, a strong and resistant material, is also designed to dress the walls.

Greenhouse accessories

Before choosing them, it is necessary to pay attention to the regulations for the installation of a garden greenhouse. Beyond a certain surface, in fact, it is necessary to apply for planning permissions.

This precaution is taken, you can provide the greenhouse with a base, in order to tie it securely to the ground. It is often equipped with a ventilation system, by means of small windows for example. This aeration avoids overheating problems.

This is also the case for specific canvases that, during the warm season, provide welcome shade for the plants in the greenhouse. And you may have a soft spot for greenhouses equipped with an automatic watering device.

In the same way as filtration and treatment, the analysis of the above-ground pool water must be done regularly and meticulously. Moreover, this task is part of the fundamental steps of the interview. It allows you to maintain the right balance of water in order to fully enjoy swimming without risk. Discover in this article, 5 useful tips to carry out the water analysis of your above-ground pool.

Find out about the different parameters to check for the test

Follow the steps of pool water analysis to the letter

Understand the ideal values for water balance

Choose a convenient and reliable pool water tester

Manual pool water testers

Electronic pool water testers

Connected pool water testers

Test pool water at least once a week

 Diet is a good way to boost your immunity in the prevention of the flu, but also when you have caught it. What foods to eat before or during the flu? Are there miracle foods? What foods to avoid?

When the flu circulates, it is good to put all the chances on your side to escape this virus that causes chaos! Diet is an excellent way to boost immunity in prevention and curative. What are anti-flu foods? Do they really exist? What foods to eat if you have the flu? On the contrary, which ones to avoid? Advice with Dr. Corinne Chicheportiche-Ayache, the nutritionist.

What foods to eat when you have the flu?

"Once you're tired and you have the flu, you usually eat what you want," says Dr. Ayache-Chicheportiche. A good thing since 'if you listen to your body, it tells you what you need and naturally leads you to light, fresh and easily digestible foods that will give a little energy without being too heavy'. The following are preferred: 

Foods that hydrate 'especially when you have a fever to fight against dehydration mechanisms': vegetables and fruits rich in water (cucumber, zucchini, starfruit, grapefruit, lemon...).

dairy products

raw or cooked fruits and vegetables (compotes, juices, soups....)

What foods to avoid in case of flu? 

When you have the flu "you have to avoid dishes that are too fatty, too rich, and too sweet that are never pleasant in terms of digestion" answers the doctor. Flu symptoms, like those of other viruses, can cause very unpleasant digestive symptoms (nausea for example). Finally, it is recommended to avoid alcohol. Forget the famous rum grog and replace it with an alcohol-free and 100% natural version with cinnamon, lemon...

What foods to eat to prevent the flu?

Let's be clear: there are no miracle foods. Simply put, none will magically protect you from the flu virus (or other winter viruses). "Prevention should not be reduced to the plate, but to a way of life in the broadest sense," explains our interlocutor. It is important to have regular physical activity 'because it would tend to increase our immunity a little'; to reduce chronic stress 'which parasitizes our lives and produces a lot of cortisol, which could reduce and limit the reactions of the cells involved in our immunity' and to sleep enough and in good conditions 'to limit the risk of infection'. In terms of food, Dr. Chicheportiche-Ayache advises focusing on: 

• Foods rich in tryptophan: almond, banana, milk, chocolate (especially dark). Tryptophan is the metabolic precursor of melatonin, which strengthens the immune system.
• Foods naturally rich in probiotics: yogurt, pickle, kombucha, miso, sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh. "They will feed the gut microbiota that plays an important role in immunity."
• Foods with prebiotic effects: whole grains, flax seed, chia seed, cabbage, broccoli, artichoke, and onion. "They will give fiber that will feed the microorganisms of the gut microbiota." 
• Foods rich in micronutrients that promote immunity (vitamin C, D, zinc, vitamin A, and E).
• Raw and organic food products: "There is no direct link with immunity, but the body would be in better conditions" to face winter viruses.
• Foods rich in vitamin C against the flu 

In prevention or during the flu, maximize the consumption of food rich in vitamin C: "It boosts immunity and reduces the field of fatigue conducive to infections" argues the nutritionist before recalling that fruits are the first source of natural vitamin C.  It is also found in: 

• Black-currant
• Citrus fruits
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Pineapple
• Pepper
• Parsley
• Kale cabbage
• Broccoli

'We can also make Acerola cures whose vitamin C content is much higher than all our citrus fruits.'

Foods rich in vitamin D against the flu

"Vitamin D practically acts like a hormone and is going to have an impact on immunity. We must make sure that we do not start the winter season with an insufficiency or a deficiency, "explains our interlocutor. Among the foods rich in vitamin D to put on the menu if you have the flu (or in prevention): 

• Yolk
• Butter
• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines...)
• High-fat dairy products
• Foods rich in zinc against the flu

Zinc is a micronutrient with an important role in immunity. But "we can't store it so we need regular intakes," explains Dr. Chicheportiche-Ayache. It is mainly found in animal proteins: 

• Meat
• Poultry
• Egg
• Seafood
• Oysters

Foods rich in vitamins E and A, antioxidants

Vitamins E and A have interesting antioxidant properties in the prevention of infections, including influenza: 'The antioxidant effect will limit the impact of harmful substances on the body. It is not directly related to immunity, but it will create a less weakened ground, "details the doctor. Vitamin E is present in vegetable oils and oilseeds such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and avocados. Vitamin A is available as retinol in the livers of fish and livestock; and in the form of beta-carotene in sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, dandelions, vegetable Macedonia, parsley, lettuce, and spinach.

 You probably know the virtues of baking soda, but did you know that it can also be used to clean your washing machine. This product has not finished surprising you with its properties and anti-limescale action. Here are some tips to use it well!

How does baking soda work?

The first action of this 100% natural product is to soften the water by neutralizing the effect of the limescale it contains. It is as such that it is valuable in the maintenance of your washing machine. It also cleans the tank and seals thanks to its slightly abrasive properties. It is a product that can be dedicated to the maintenance of this device to keep it longer.

What use of the washing machine?

It is perfect for scrubbing your washing machine, but also for the laundry you wash there. It is then used differently depending on the effects you are looking for.

For a weekly interview

The purpose of this regular maintenance is to avoid the formation of a scale that clogs and damages your washing machine. It is then enough to put 150 grams of baking soda directly in the bowl of the washing machine and then launch it on an economical program preferably empty.

You can also put baking soda and white vinegar that you dilute in water. This simple gesture, once a week, extends the life of your washing machine. In addition, this simple gesture also protects it from possible bad odors.

This allows you to thoroughly clean your machine. It's also a good way to regularly disinfect your machine drum. This is also good for the pipes that are thus sanitized and cleaned on a regular basis. Adopting this reflex only has positive effects.

To naturally descale your device

Baking soda has no equal to descale a machine that is invaded by limescale. You make a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda that you place in the laundry and fabric softener bin. You put it on an economic program and your machine shines. This is perfect for her, but also for your laundry which is cleaner and has an even more pleasant smell.

To clean the washing machine filter

The filter of your washing machine becomes clogged overuse. Dirt and another residue pile up and get stuck in this room. You can easily clean it with baking soda. First of all, you need to unplug your washing machine. Remove the filter as directed by the manufacturer. Pass it under warm water and with a small brush or a used toothbrush, and rub it having taken care to coat it with baking soda. Rub well, then rinse and dry before replacing it properly and plugging the machine back in.

It is quite possible to put a little baking soda during your washes, so you protect your device from tartar and you get cleaner laundry without damaging it. It also helps to remove the most rebellious spots. It replaces commercial anti-limescale products that are not necessarily good for the environment and our health.

As part of clothing cleaning

To enhance the effect of the laundry: by adding between 15 and 30 grams of baking soda to each wash, you significantly improve the degreasing power of your laundry. It should be mixed with half the dose of laundry you usually use. This saves you money on laundry and you get perfectly clean laundry. This is a habit that is good to take, especially since the bicarbonate contained in this mixture can soften the water.

Another solution: without applying the previous advice, pour the equivalent of one or two tablespoons into your washing machine each cycle. It is a method that allows you to obtain softer linen, which revives the color, and all these are thanks to the decalcifying power of this natural product.

To avoid or neutralize odors: If you notice that your washing machine is giving off bad odors, you pour one or two tablespoons of baking soda after your laundry, directly into the drum. You let it absorb odors without turning on your device. Unpleasant odors disappear as if under the effect of a deodorant. On your next wash cycle, you don't add any more since you've already done it. It thus plays its role as a fabric softener for your laundry.