How to Write a Haiku Poem

Learn how to write beautiful and poignant haiku poems that capture a moment

If you like the idea of making a profound impact in just a few words, haiku might be the perfect poetry form for you. A haiku (俳句 pronounced similar to "high-koo") is a short, 17-syllable poem broken into 3 lines, meant to be read in a single breath. The most important thing about a haiku is that it captures and conveys a sensory image of a single moment in time, and in a well-written haiku, that image resonates on a deeper level, leaving the reader feeling enlightened and illuminated.^[1] Read on to learn everything you need to know to write a powerful haiku poem of your own.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Format your haiku into 3 lines: 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, and 5 syllables in the third.
• Describe 2 separate images on each of the first 2 lines of your haiku.
• Use the 3rd line to bring the images together or remark on their relationship in a surprising way.
• Include a nature or seasonal word or image somewhere in your haiku.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Brainstorming Ideas

1. Read classic haiku to get a sense of the form and structure. You'll write better haiku if you're familiar with haiku that are well-known and considered good examples of the form.^[2] When you read, focus on the imagery and the moment captured by the poem. Let go of the nit-picky desire to count syllables—just lose yourself in the image conveyed. Here are some to get you started:
   
   • Matsuo Basho
   • Yosa Buson
   • Kobayashi Issa
   • Winner and Runners-up of the Society of Classical Poets 2021 Haiku Competition
2. Go for a walk in nature. Since most traditional haiku talk about nature, a walk in nature is a good way to brainstorm for ideas. Observe your surroundings silently, absorbing everything around you. If nature isn't available to you, look at photographs or videos of nature instead.^[3]
   
   • For this to work, you need all of your senses present—don't take this walk while playing music through headphones. Take a notebook and a pen with you so you can write down your observations.
   • You can also record your observations using the notes app on your smartphone. If you go that route, turn off notifications first so you don't have any distractions.
   • Don't want to write about nature? That's technically a senryu, which follows the same basic structure, but is more about humanity than nature.^[4]
3. Meditate to orient yourself in the present moment. A haiku is a moment captured and conveyed in the present tense, as it's happening. Focus on your breath to bring yourself into the present moment, then quietly observe the world around you. Really immerse yourself in the moment, absorbing every detail you can.^[5]
   
   • It can help to look at the big picture and then think of "zooming in" on a single thing and capturing every possible sensory detail associated with it. For example, you might be looking out at a forest and focus on a single leaf falling.
4. Jot down little moments you notice as you observe your surroundings. You want a lot of different things to choose from, so write down as many things as possible that you see. A haiku can come from even the tiniest observation. You won't use all of these, so don't worry if they don't seem to relate to each other at all.^[6]
   
   • For example, if it's fall, you might notice that the leaves are falling from the trees around you. Go smaller! A single leaf falling. A single leaf quivering on a branch before getting taken to the ground by a gust of wind.
5. Describe each moment using sensory words. This can be a single phrase or a list of words. Try to include as many of the 5 senses as possible—it gives you more to work with when you start drafting your haiku. Stick to shorter words, which have more versatility in the haiku format.^[7]
   
   • For example, if one of your moments is a single leaf falling, you might list words such as "brown," "crunchy," and "dry."
   • Haiku poems aren't supposed to rhyme, so you don't have to worry about that as you're trying to think of words.
6. Make a list of seasonal words to put your moments in context. Seasonal words include names for months and the seasons themselves, as well as temperature words and weather words. Phrases that talk about the light, the atmosphere, or the length of the day can also reflect the season to your readers.^[8]
   
   • For example, if it's currently fall, you might write down words such as "crisp," "cool," "harvest," and "dusk."

[Edit]Drafting

1. Choose 2 distinct images from your brainstorming lists. The essence of haiku is the juxtaposition of 2 distinct images to reveal a surprising or enlightening relationship between them. For your haiku, these 2 images can be literally anything on your list. The important thing is that they are distinct from each other.^[9]
   
   • For example, you might choose a leaf falling to the ground and a gust of wind as your 2 images.
   • The second line of a haiku typically includes a "cutting word"—this is a Japanese concept that doesn't really exist in English, but you can think of this as a moment that pivots, or changes, your scene.
2. Come up with a surprise for the third line. The third line of a haiku relates the images conveyed in the first 2 lines to life or the world at large in an interesting and surprising way. Ideally, you'll come up with something that's thought-provoking and inspirational to your reader.^[10]
   
   • For example, if your haiku is meditating on a single leaf falling to the ground, you might think about how beautiful the leaves are in the fall. They only get their colors because they're dying, though, and death is not something people normally consider beautiful. There's your surprise.
   • You can also use wordplay to create your surprise. Throwing in a pun takes your poem beyond its literal meaning to surprise and amuse your readers.^[11]
   • Nothing in a haiku has to rhyme, but an unexpected rhyme could also fit the bill for the third line.
3. Fine-tune your lines to fit the 5-7-5 syllabic structure. A syllable is simply a unit of spoken language that consists of a single vowel sound. A traditional English haiku has 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, and 5 syllables in the third line. Watch how this might work with the fall leaf haiku example:^[12]
   
   • In the first line, the leaf is still clinging to a branch of the tree. You might write, "Dry brown leaf quivers." That's 5 syllables, so there's your first line.
   • The second line features the moment of the gust of wind, which also serves as your "cutting word." You might write, "A sudden gust of wind blows."
   • Your third line surprises your reader by equating death with beauty. You might simply write, "Beauty in dying."

[Edit]Revising and Polishing

1. Read your haiku aloud. Wait at least a few hours (preferably a day) after you draft your haiku to go back to it. Read it aloud several times and feel the rhythm. Take note of any stumbling or awkward spots—you'll need to fix those. Even if your haiku reads smoothly, there still might be better words you can use. A haiku is short, so every word counts! Ask yourself the following questions:^[13]
   
   • What is this word showing my readers? Is there another word that would do a better job of showing the same thing?
   • Are there any words that tell readers what to think or feel, rather than showing them? How can you show them the moment more directly?
2. Revise your haiku based on your observations. Play around with words and images to improve your haiku and help it read more smoothly. You can see how this might go with the fall leaf haiku example:^[14]
   
   • In the first line, the word "quivers" is really evocative, so you definitely want to keep that. "Dry" and "brown" aren't exactly inspired, though. Perhaps if you changed the order? "Brown leaf dry quivers" seems more interesting and poetic.
   • The second line definitely has problems. "Gust of wind" is somewhat redundant, and "blows" seems totally unnecessary—what else does a gust of wind do, but blow? Try instead "A sudden gust; branches snap," which enables you to use the semi-colon as your "cutting word."
   • The third line cleanly conveys your surprise, so you could leave it as it is.
3. Share your haiku with others. Get feedback on your haiku from your friends and family members.^[15] Ask them if they can see the moment in their heads or if they think your haiku embodies the season well.
   
   • Other people often come up with things you wouldn't have thought of on your own. They can really inspire you and give you fresh insight into your poem.
   • Feel free to revise your haiku even further based on the feedback you receive.
4. Format your haiku on the page. Traditionally, haiku are formatted with each line centered so that they form a diamond shape. Punctuation and capitalization are entirely up to you! The haiku form doesn't require anything specific, so you can use all lower-case letters with no punctuation at all if that's what you want.^[16]
   
   • Haiku traditionally don't have a title. You might add a short one for clarification, but it's usually not necessary and will only detract from the impact of your poem.
   • To follow through with the example, the final haiku would be:
     
     brown leaf dry quivers
     a sudden gust; branches snap
     beauty in dying

[Edit]Template for a Haiku Poem

Template for a Haiku Poem

Template for a Haiku Poem

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• The plural of haiku is haiku—there's no need to add an "s" onto it if you're talking about more than one.
• If you're writing a haiku for a class, try to stick closely to the 5-7-5 syllable format—your teacher will likely be pretty strict about that! But if you're just writing for yourself, don't worry about it too much.^[17]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Write a Tanka Poem
• Write a Concrete Poem
• Write a Love Poem
• Become Inspired to Write Poetry
• Be a Poet
• Write Dark Poems
• Make a Found Poem
• Write a Poem

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://poets.org/glossary/haiku
2. ↑ [v161665_b01]. 11 December 2020.
3. ↑ [v161665_b01]. 11 December 2020.
4. ↑ https://ideas.ted.com/i-wrote-a-haiku-every-day-for-a-week-heres-what-i-learned/
5. ↑ https://classicalpoets.org/2016/11/13/how-to-write-a-haiku-and-much-much-more/#/
6. ↑ https://tricycle.org/article/haiku-tips/
7. ↑ https://classicalpoets.org/2016/11/13/how-to-write-a-haiku-and-much-much-more/#/
8. ↑ https://tricycle.org/article/haiku-tips/
9. ↑ https://classicalpoets.org/2016/11/13/how-to-write-a-haiku-and-much-much-more/#/
10. ↑ https://classicalpoets.org/2016/11/13/how-to-write-a-haiku-and-much-much-more/#/
11. ↑ https://tricycle.org/article/haiku-tips/
12. ↑ https://powerpoetry.org/actions/how-write-haiku-poem
13. ↑ https://tricycle.org/article/haiku-tips/
14. ↑ https://classicalpoets.org/2016/11/13/how-to-write-a-haiku-and-much-much-more/#/
15. ↑ [v161665_b01]. 11 December 2020.
16. ↑ https://powerpoetry.org/actions/how-write-haiku-poem
17. ↑ https://poets.org/glossary/haiku

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How to Start a Community Garden

If there’s a vacant lot in your neighborhood, you may be thinking that the perfect way to fill it up is with a community garden! Starting a community garden is a great way to bring your neighborhood together while also growing nutritious and great-tasting vegetables, fruits, and herbs. You can also add a children’s plot or flower garden to make your garden even more special. It can be a lot of work to have a community garden, so get a group together to plan and plant it. This same group can keep your garden growing for years to come!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Organizing Your Gardening Group

1. Talk to your neighbors to see who’s interested. If you’ve already got a way to connect with everyone in your neighborhood (like an online message board or email list), use this to send out a message. Otherwise, go door to door on a weekday evening when most people will be home. Ask who would be interested in contributing to the garden and make a list.
   
   • When you talk to community members, you can say something like: “Hi! I’m Jenna from down the street. I’m hoping to organize a community garden, and I’d like to know if you’d be interested in working with our neighbors and I on something like that.”
   • You may also be able to set up a town hall meeting. Contact a local governmental official or your neighborhood rep to find out if this would be a good option for putting together a garden group.
2. Gather at least 10-15 households. There’s going to be a lot of work involved in getting this garden up and running! You need a relatively large group to handle the load. If you end up with more families than fifteen, that’s great! However, if your group begins to get too large, you may run into problems with available space. Consider capping the group at about twenty families.^[1]
   
   • There’s no set size for a community garden. Generally, single-family plots measure about .^[2] If you have twenty families with plots, then, you need a minimum space of 3,000 square feet (278.7 ㎡). Most community gardens are at least 2,000 to 5,000 square feet (185.8-464.5 ㎡).
   • If you have access to a smaller spot, that will work great, too! Ultimately, your community garden can be as small or as big as you want.
3. Include only people who are willing to commit to a work schedule. Members of your group will need to regularly water and weed their own plots, and they’ll also need to help take care of any group plots. Be sure your prospective families understand these responsibilities before joining the group.
   
4. Nominate a president, treasurer, and other officers. It’s best to assign certain people to take care of the logistics of your garden. This will keep your garden running smoothly and prevent the work from piling up.^[3]
   
   • A president can coordinate between different families and speak to members about any problems that come up. For example, the president may occasionally have to talk to the group about strictly following the watering schedule. You might also have a vice-president to split the duties of the president.
   • The treasurer can open a bank account in the group’s name and pay water, land-leasing, electricity, and trash disposal bills out of that account.
   • The secretary can keep track of all your records and take notes whenever your group (or the officers) meet.
   • A social coordinator can organize monthly and/or annual events for your garden club.
5. Plan for annual elections to replace your officers. Since being an officer could involve a lot work, rotate the duties. Pick a date to hold elections each year. To elect your officers, gather the group together to put names in a hat, or use an online survey tool.^[4]
   

[Edit]Planning Your Garden

1. Make a budget and raise funds for the garden if you need to. Your startup costs will vary widely depending on the size of your plot, your location, and what you’d like to include in your garden. However, most typical gardens will cost somewhere between $2,500-$5,000 USD to get started. Start a collection in your neighborhood or host fundraising events to gather this money.^[5]
   
   • Keep your fundraising events simple to avoid spending more on them than you make! Organize a car wash, bake sale, or craft fair.
   • For some groups, it may be possible to have startup costs close to $0! If you have access to an empty space that an owner allows you to use for free and you’re able to gather gardening tools, seeds, and other supplies from among your neighbors, you won’t have any start-up expenses. Be aware that going forward you’ll likely have low-cost monthly expenses to cover water and electricity bills.
2. See if you’re eligible for grants. Contact your local government officials to check if there are public funds that could offset your costs. You can also look online to see if any businesses offer grants for planting a community garden. While grant-writing can be time-consuming and complicated, it might pay off to try.
   
   • You might also be able to get donations of gardening tools, seeds, manure, and even cash from local businesses and/or neighborhoods institutions (like schools or churches).
3. Find suitable land for your garden. Look for empty, well-sized plots of land that receive at least six hours of sunlight. The land should be within about a ten-minute walking distance of a majority of your gardening group members. Write down the addresses of potential spots to find out details about water access and ownership.^[6]
   
4. Ensure that you have access to water. Contact the utility company that covers the area to find out whether the spots you’ve picked already have water pipes laid down. It’ll be very expensive to put piping down, and you’ll have to make sure that the installation adheres to local zoning laws.^[7]
   
   • You should be able to find out if the area already has piping and a water meter by speaking directly to a customer service representative from the water company. Since the potential plots are in your neighborhood, the company should be the same one that provides you with your water.
5. Contact the landowner to set up a lease. Once you’ve picked a good site, you should be able to find the landowner by contacting your local government and providing them with the address. Write a letter or call the landowner, explaining that you’d like to lease the land for a community garden.^[8]
   
   • Make sure to keep the cost of leasing the land low. Remember, if this is a vacant lot, the landowner isn’t benefitting from the land currently. Many garden plots are leased for as little as $1 USD per year.
   • To demonstrate the benefits of the lease to the landowner, say that the community garden will help the whole community and could raise land values. The landowner also won’t need to be responsible for maintaining the property or paying any land-related fees to the government.
   • Negotiate a lease that’s a minimum of one year, but preferably at least three.
6. Decide whether to insure the site. To protect yourself and the landowner from potential lawsuits, you might want to insure the garden. You can purchase a liability insurance policy to cover any injuries that occur in the garden. Contact several insurance companies to get advice about the best policy option, along with the best price.^[9]
   
   • The monthly fee for the policy can come out of the garden group’s shared bank account.
7. Establish your garden’s rules and care schedule. Set up a meeting where members of your group can discuss how they’d like the garden to be run. Members can put forward potential rules and vote on each one. Write these down so they can later be posted at the garden site. Now’s also a good time to decide who will care for community plots when.^[10]
   
   • Rules could cover the issues of pets being allowed in the garden, littering and vandalism, and/or whether children under 18 will be allowed without adults present.

[Edit]Planting Your Garden

1. Test the soil’s drainage. To test drainage, dig a hole in the soil and fill it completely with water. Let it drain and then fill it again. If the hole drains in under 15 minutes, your soil has good drainage. If the hole takes more than an hour (especially if it takes longer than six hours) to drain, you’ve got slow-draining soil.^[11]
   
   • You can also assess the drainage of the soil by looking for signs of erosion and low spots where water could pool.^[12]
   • Most trees, flowers, and vegetables need soil with good drainage.^[13]
   • If the drainage doesn’t need to be adjusted too much, you may just be able to add some compost and well-rotted manure to improve it. For severe drainage issues, you might need to invest in underground piping to remove the excess water.^[14]
2. Get a pH testing kit to test the soil quality. You can buy a pH testing kit at your local gardening supply store. Get soil samples from multiple spots throughout the garden and then read the strips to discover the pH level of the soil.^[15]
   
   • Most plants do best in soil with a pH of between 6.5 and 6.8. However, some (like blueberries) thrive in acidic soil, and the plants prefer a pH as low as 4.5. You’ll need to research which plants to grow in your garden based on your soil’s levels.^[16]
   • Generally, nutrient-deficient soil can be improved by adding compost and well-rotted manure.^[17]
3. Clear the land of weeds, uneven soil, and debris. If there’s garbage in the lot, remove this first. Then use a rake or hoe to break up the soil and eliminate weeds. Finally, smooth the soil back out and pack it down to prepare it for planting.^[18]
   
   • When clearing garbage, wear thick gardening gloves. There could be sharp, potentially rusty and germ-filled materials in your lot, and you don’t want to get tetanus!
4. Mark the boundaries of your plots. Measure out each of your individual family plots and label them with families’ last names. Determine which plots will be used for any community spaces you plan to include, such as a shared herb or children’s garden.^[19]
   
   • You can use paint sticks and permanent marker to create plot labels. If they’d like, families can later create more fun and personalized wooden signs.
5. Install an irrigation system if it’s in your budget. Since watering will be the major daily task associated with your garden, an automatic irrigation system might be a good investment. However, your site will need to be wired for electricity and have a plug in order for a controller to function. For a more cost-effective option, just install an outdoor water faucet and provide plenty of watering cans.^[20]
   
   • Installing a sprinkler system with the controller could cost between about $1,800-$3,300 USD. Larger gardens and high-quality systems will both cause prices to fall on the higher end of this range.^[21]
   • It shouldn’t cost more than about $300-$450 USD for a plumber to set up an outdoor water faucet.^[22]
6. Add a fence and sign to minimize vandalism. Depending on your budget, either hire professionals or install the fence yourself. Then choose a name for your garden. Place a sign on the fence with the garden’s name and some contact information that members of the public can use to ask questions or voice concerns about the garden.^[23]
   
   • The fence might not completely eliminate vandalism, but you shouldn’t install barbed wire or even a security system. Remember that the garden is part of the community, and you want it to feel open and friendly for all of your neighbors.
7. Build a shed and make a sitting area. A storage shed that’s placed in the corner of your garden will be useful for protecting your gardening tools from weather and vandals. You’ll also want a shady area with places to sit and possibly a picnic table for eating and other group activities. If there’s no shade, make or buy a pergola.^[24]
   
   • You can use hay bales as seats.
8. Plant the vegetables, flowers, and herbs of your choice. It’s finally time to get planting! Generally, a community garden will have lots of individual family vegetable plots and shared herb and flower gardens. However, if you’d like, you can always plant your own herbs and flowers! Have families start individual plots on their own, and pick a day when the group can tackle the community plots together.^[25]
   
   • Some good vegetables to start with include tomatoes, lettuce, sugar snap peas or green beans, summer squash, and radishes.^[26]
   • A good herb garden should include basil, chives, lavender, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.^[27]
   • Calendula (or pot marigold), marigold, chamomile and daisies, nasturtium, phacelia, and clover are all great companion flowers for vegetables. They’ll attract good bugs (especially bees) and keep away some of the bad ones!^[28]

[Edit]Maintaining Your Garden

1. Allow individuals to care for their own plots. Group members should visit the garden frequently to water their plots. During the harvest seasons of your various vegetable plants, they’ll also need to regularly collect vegetables. They should also remove weeds and deadhead the plants.^[29]
   
   • Group members will need to decide how often they’d like to visit their plots. During hot weather, they’ll likely need to stop by each day or at least every other day. In the off-season, they can probably visit just once every week or so.
   • If individual families aren’t taking care of their plots, ask if they’d like a different family to take it over.
2. Establish a watering and weeding schedule for shared plots. Rotate the care of community plots among your members, assigning these spaces to one family for one to two weeks at a time. Start the schedule over once you’ve gone through the entire group.^[30]
   
   • You may also want to make one person (such as the president) responsible for visiting the garden at least once per week to check on these shared areas.
3. Use composting, recycling, and trash bins to manage waste. Set up a group meeting to make sure everyone knows how to compost and recycle. Be very clear about what materials should and shouldn’t be composted, as you’ll be using the compost to regularly enrich your soil.^[31]
   
   • You shouldn’t compost diseased plants, meat or milk products, or animal waste.^[32] These could all prevent your compost from producing the good bacteria that you want in there.
   • Use caution when composting weeds. Check to make sure they haven’t developed seeds that could corrupt your compost pile (such as when a yellow dandelion becomes a white puffball).^[33] If you do end up with seeded weeds in your compost, ensure that the pile heats up enough to break them down by turning the compost at least once per week.^[34]
4. Use an email list to keep in touch with the group. Major email services, including Gmail, will allow you to easily set up a mailing list. The president or another garden group member should send out a message at least once a month. Include community updates, growing guides for the season, event announcements, and any other communications you need to share.^[35]
   
   • Regular communication will keep the group connected. After all, that’s what a community garden is all about!
5. Share community meals in the garden once a year. During the harvest season, use the vegetables and herbs you’ve grown to make a delicious meal. You can also invite people from the neighborhood who don’t belong to the garden group. This is a great way to demonstrate the value and purpose of your garden.^[36]
   
6. Invite guest speakers to talk about gardening and the environment. Get in touch with a local gardening store or community college. See if there are gardeners, horticulturalists, landscapers, or environmental scientists who’d be willing to talk to your garden group. This could be a fun way for your group to hang out while also increasing your gardening expertise!^[37]
   
   • Potential topics could include sustainable gardening, pest and weed control, or garden management.
   • You could also contact a local chef to see if they’d be willing to trade some locally grown vegetables for a cooking lesson!

[Edit]Tips

• In most climates, it’s best to lay down seeds in either the early fall or mid-to-late spring. However, do some research online or at your local library on your specific plants to get the best results.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Start Guerrilla Gardening
• Add Fish to a Garden Pond
• Attract Birds to Your Garden
• Be a Community Organizer
• Grow Herb Gardens from Seed

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/ever-wondered-how-start-community-garden.html
2. ↑ http://www.fcgov.com/gardens/our-gardens/community-gardens
3. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
4. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
5. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
6. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
7. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
8. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
9. ↑ https://communitygarden.org/resources/10-steps-to-starting-a-community-garden/
10. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
11. ↑ https://www.treepeople.org/sites/default/files/pdf/resources/How-to%20Test%20Soil%20Drainage.pdf
12. ↑ [v161358_b01]. 14 April 2020.
13. ↑ https://www.growveg.com/guides/understanding-soil-types-for-vegetable-gardens/
14. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/improve-poor-drainage/
15. ↑ https://www.growveg.com/guides/understanding-soil-types-for-vegetable-gardens/
16. ↑ https://www.growveg.com/guides/understanding-soil-types-for-vegetable-gardens/
17. ↑ http://www.sunset.com/garden/garden-basics/improving-soil-structure
18. ↑ http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/kindergarden/CHILD/COM/COMMUN.HTM
19. ↑ http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/kindergarden/CHILD/COM/COMMUN.HTM
20. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
21. ↑ http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/lawn-and-garden/install-a-sprinkler-system/
22. ↑ https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-outdoor-water-faucet.htm
23. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
24. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
25. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
26. ↑ http://www.sunset.com/garden/fruits-veggies/easy-edible-plants#easy-edible-plants_8
27. ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/top-12-must-herbs-grow-kitchen-garden/
28. ↑ https://www.growveg.com/guides/flowers-for-vegetable-gardens/
29. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/ever-wondered-how-start-community-garden.html
30. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/ever-wondered-how-start-community-garden.html
31. ↑ http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf
32. ↑ http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/11-items-you-shouldnt-compost.html
33. ↑ http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/10338/should-weeds-be-added-to-the-compost-pile
34. ↑ http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/files/2010/10/E-326.-Easy-Gardening-Composting-to-Kill-Weed-Seeds.pdf
35. ↑ https://communitygarden.org/resources/10-steps-to-starting-a-community-garden/
36. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/ever-wondered-how-start-community-garden.html
37. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/ever-wondered-how-start-community-garden.html

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How to Peel Ginger Root

Fresh ginger root adds a unique zest to your dishes, and is known for its health benefits, too—it calms nausea and can even work as a pain reliever. If you’re cooking with ginger root for the first time, though, you might not be sure what to do with its tough, woody skin. Although it is edible, you can easily and safely remove the skin with a spoon, then move on to the cooking!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Peeling Ginger Root with a Spoon

1. Choose fresh roots that are firm and moist. When you’re choosing your ginger root, pick one with a hard surface, that feels heavy for its size. You should avoid roots that are dried up or shriveled, but it’s okay if there’s a dried, rough patch where the root was cut.^[1]
   
   • If your recipe calls for a certain amount of ginger (it may say a “thumb” of ginger root), you can break off whatever size you need you need in the store.
2. Peel ginger when you want it to look good or have a smooth texture. Most recipes will call for ginger to peeled, often for aesthetic or texture reasons when diced. Ginger skin is edible, though, and you can leave it on if it’s thin and your ginger root is young and fresh.^[2]
   
   • Young ginger is typically in stores in the spring. It has its own fresh flavor and doesn’t feel as grainy to eat.
   • More mature ginger has tougher skin which will need to be peeled, but it has a spicier flavor that can nicely intensify your recipes.^[3]
3. Wash the ginger root under cool tap water. Clean off any dirt on your ginger root by running it under your sink for a few seconds, rubbing the skin with your fingers to knock loose any bits of grime. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
   
   • Although you’ll be peeling the skin off, it’s good to start by cleaning it so that you don’t accidentally transfer any dirt to the flesh.
4. Place the root on a cutting board. When peeling ginger with a spoon, you can either hold it in your hand or set it on a cutting board. If you’re new to this technique, set it on the cutting board for stability.^[4]
   
5. Scrape off the skin with the edge of a spoon.^[5] Steady the ginger with your other hand, then hold a spoon by the bowl with the concave side facing you. Place the edge of the spoon on your ginger and scrape off the skin with strong downward strokes, starting at the top of the root.^[6]
   
   
   • Use the rounded tip of your spoon to get into the small crevices of your ginger root.
   • Peel off only as much as you need for your recipe; keeping the the skin on the unused portion of your ginger will help it last longer.
   • You can also use a vegetable peeler with the same technique. It’s easy to slip and cut yourself, though, so go slowly. You’ll also remove more of the ginger flesh than you would with a spoon.
6. Store your peeled ginger in the refrigerator for a week. Peeled ginger doesn’t last as long as unpeeled ginger, but you can still store it for a week or so. Blot dry the peeled part and wrap it up in a paper towel and plastic bag. Push all the air out of the bag and place it in your refrigerator.^[7]
   
   • Don’t use your ginger if it starts to look wrinkly.
   • The unpeeled portion of your ginger root will last for up to 2 months. Wrap it in paper towels, place it a separate plastic bag, and store it in the refrigerator.^[8]
7. Freeze your peeled ginger root for up to 2 months. If you want to preserve your peeled ginger for even longer, store it in your freezer. Blot it dry and wrap it in a paper towel and plastic bag before placing it in the freezer.^[9]
   
   • This option is especially convenient if you chop or mince your peeled ginger root beforehand.
   • Let it thaw before using it to cook.

[Edit]Preparing Your Ginger Root for Cooking

1. Use a box grater for fine, grated ginger. If your recipe calls for grated ginger, hold the ginger in one hand and rub it across the microplane surface of your grater with the other.^[10] Grate across the fibers of the ginger for the best results.^[11]
   
   
   • You can peel before grating if you want, but it’s not necessary—the pieces will be tiny enough that the texture and color won’t matter as much.
   • Grated ginger is great for gingerbread and gingersnap cookies.
2. Shred your ginger by running it over fork tines. Place a fork on your cutting board with the tines facing up. Holding the handle of the fork in one hand, run the ginger root over the tines to shred it. Angle and turn your ginger root in different directions to get as much usable ginger as possible.^[12]
   
   
3. Mince your ginger by cutting it into coins, then chopping finely. Use a chef’s knife to cut your ginger into small, thin disks, then chop the disks lengthwise into matchsticks. Turn the matchsticks crosswise and chop them again for a quick mince.^[13]
   
   
4. Slice ginger with a chef’s knife. To roughly chop your ginger into bigger strips, peel it and cut off a piece from the larger root. Chop it into small, thin lengthwise strips with your chef’s knife, going against the grain of the fibers.^[14]
   
   

[Edit]Warnings

• Always use a chef’s knife with caution. Tuck down the fingers on your non-cutting hand so that they don’t stray under the path of the knife, and go slowly when you’re just learning how to chop a new food like ginger root.
• If you peel your ginger with a vegetable peeler, go slowly and don’t pull at the skin too hard—you could go off-course and nick yourself.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Medium-sized piece of ginger
• Thin-edged spoon
• Cutting board
• Fork (to shred ginger)
• Chef’s knife (to chop ginger)

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make Crystallized Ginger
• Grate Ginger
• Make Pickled Ginger

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-peel-and-mince-fresh-ginger-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-182774
2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-peel-and-mince-fresh-ginger-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-182774
3. ↑ http://www.finecooking.com/article/whats-the-best-way-to-store-ginger
4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-peel-and-mince-fresh-ginger-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-182774
5. ↑ [v162266_b01]. 11 October 2022.
6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-peel-and-mince-fresh-ginger-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-182774
7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-peel-and-mince-fresh-ginger-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-182774
8. ↑ http://www.finecooking.com/article/whats-the-best-way-to-store-ginger
9. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-peel-and-mince-fresh-ginger-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-182774
10. ↑ [v162266_b01]. 11 October 2022.
11. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_peel_and_chop_ginger/
12. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/how-to-peel-and-grate-ginger
13. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-peel-and-mince-fresh-ginger-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-182774
14. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8U2N2S1tss&feature=youtu.be&t=18s

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How to Know if Catalytic Converter Is Stolen

A catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions from your vehicle, but it also contains precious metals that make it an enticing target for thieves. A stolen catalytic converter isn’t obvious at first glance, so we’ve listed all the key signs of theft you should watch out for. We’ve also added tips on what to do in this scenario, and what to do to prevent it in the first place.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Signs of catalytic converter theft include a roaring engine, smokier and smellier exhaust, poor engine performance, and an engine warning light.
• If your catalytic converter has been stolen, drive only if necessary and call the police, your insurance company, and a repair shop.
• Reduce your chances of theft by parking in a safe location, marking your catalytic converter, and installing an anti-theft device.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Your vehicle sounds really loud when you start it up.

1. The loud noise will likely be your first sign of a problem. Everything will probably look fine with your vehicle, but when you turn the key you’ll hear an unfamiliar and unwelcome roar. While other problems—like a muffler that needs replaced—may be the culprit, now’s the time to suspect that your catalytic converter has been stolen.^[1]
   
   • You might hope that really loud engine sound will go away if you rev the engine a little or try to drive off. But, the reality is that the roaring sound will get even louder and obvious when you press down on that pedal.

[Edit]An engine warning light shows up on your dashboard.

1. A missing catalytic converter will trigger oxygen sensors in your exhaust. It probably won’t take long for that dreaded engine warning light to appear. When it does, you can use an OBD code scanner to identify the specific problem, or you can just go ahead and make a service appointment for your vehicle.^[2]
   
   • No matter the cause, don’t ignore that “check engine” light!

[Edit]You have a vehicle that’s a high-value target for thieves.

1. Pickups, SUVs, and hybrids are common targets. Catalytic converter theft is usually a crime of opportunity, and vehicles that are higher off the ground make it easier to quickly access the desired part. That said, hybrid cars—most notably the Toyota Prius—are very common targets for a completely different reason: their catalytic converters have more of the precious metals that thieves are after.^[3]
   
   • Does this mean your car definitely won’t be targeted if it’s not one of these vehicles? Unfortunately not. But it pays to take extra precautions if you have a high-value target vehicle.
   • Catalytic converters have been required on all automobiles sold in the U.S. since 1974, so pretty much any vehicle on the road today can be a target!

[Edit]You smell noxious exhaust seeping into your vehicle.

1. Get out of the car if you smell exhaust, since it can be deadly. Without a catalytic converter, your vehicle spews out a lot of nasty stuff, including potentially-deadly carbon monoxide. The exhaust will smell more potent than usual and is likely to seep up into the cabin from underneath your car. If you smell this exhaust odor, it’s time to shut off the car and get out.^[4]
   
   • If you develop symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, get into fresh air and seek medical help for carbon monoxide poisoning.

[Edit]The vehicle is creating a cloud of bluish, smoky exhaust.

1. The exhaust won’t just smell worse—it’ll look thicker and dirtier, too. The exhaust from a modern vehicle is usually nearly invisible. Without the catalytic converter doing its thing, however, the exhaust coming from your vehicle will appear much thicker and darker, likely with a gray-blue tint to it. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when cars belched out smelly, sooty exhaust.^[5]
   
   • Modern vehicles still spew out exhaust that contains lots of things that are bad for your health and for the environment. But the difference a catalytic converter makes will be clear to see (and smell).

[Edit]You can see damage or missing parts under your vehicle.

1. Crouch down and take a look to confirm your suspicions. Look particularly in the area in front of the muffler. If the catalytic converter is gone, you’ll see an empty space and exposed sections of the exhaust line. Thieves usually steal catalytic converters by cutting them out, so you’ll see saw marks and probably other damage along the exhaust line.^[6]
   
   • The catalytic converter is just a small cylindrical canister that can be hard to spot when it’s installed properly. But it’ll be pretty clear that something’s missing when you take a closer look.

[Edit]The vehicle is sluggish or sputters if you try to drive it.

1. It’s best not to drive the vehicle, but you’ll notice the difference if you do. Modern vehicles are designed to have functional, clean catalytic converters, so you can cause substantial damage by driving without one. Among other problems, your vehicle’s computer won’t be able to calculate the proper fuel injection rate, leading to obvious sluggishness and sputtering of the engine if you attempt to drive.^[7]
   

[Edit]What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen:

1. Call the police, arrange for repairs, and try not to drive the vehicle. You’ll be angry, confused, and maybe a bit fearful once you figure out your catalytic converter has been stolen. Focus on simple measures you can take to handle the situation:^[8]
   
   • Call for roadside assistance. Instead of trying to drive your damaged vehicle home or to a garage, have it towed to a repair shop to assess the situation.
   • Call your car insurance company. A stolen catalytic converter should be covered (minus any deductible) if you have comprehensive (not just collision) coverage.
   • File a police report. While the chances of recovering your catalytic converter aren’t great, definitely let the police know about the theft. (Call the police first if you’re stranded away from home and don’t feel safe.)
   • Inform local scrap yards and metal recyclers. They may be willing to let you know if any suspicious catalytic converters show up at their businesses. The odds of getting their help are much better if you add identifying markings to your catalytic converter (see the next step).

[Edit]What to do to prevent catalytic converter theft:

1. Make your catalytic converter harder to access and easier to identify. A stolen catalytic converter can cost up to $3,000 USD to replace, so it definitely pays to take theft prevention measures like the following:^[9]
   
   • Park in a well-lit area with cameras, or in a locked garage. Thieves target vehicles that are easy to access without being seen. The less enticing of a target you make your vehicle, the less likely you are to be victimized.
   • Have your VIN etched onto your catalytic converter. Having the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter makes it possible to track down the part if it is stolen. Its mere presence on the part may also stop a thief from taking it in the first place. Ask an auto repair shop about this service.
   • Spray paint your catalytic converter a bright color. Do this on its own, or combine it with VIN etching. Reputable scrap metal dealers are less likely to accept painted catalytic converters because of the likelihood that they’re stolen.
   • Get your vehicle alarm’s sensitivity level adjusted. A trained vehicle mechanic can adjust the sensitivity of your alarm so that it will go if someone starts bumping around underneath it. But you’ll also end up with more false alarms!
   • Have an anti-theft device installed over your catalytic converter. Some repair garages will install cages, shields, cables, or other protective devices for under $1,000 USD. Anything that makes it harder to remove the part is likely to deter thieves.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://driving.ca/column/corner-wrench/your-corner-wrench-what-if-someone-swipes-your-catalytic-converter
2. ↑ https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/catalytic-converter-thefts-are-on-the-rise-heres-what-to-do-if-you-become-a-victim
3. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/5-ways-to-foil-catalytic-converter-thieves
4. ↑ https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/catalytic-converter-thefts-are-on-the-rise-heres-what-to-do-if-you-become-a-victim
5. ↑ https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/catalytic-converter-thefts-are-on-the-rise-heres-what-to-do-if-you-become-a-victim
6. ↑ https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/catalytic-converter-thefts-are-on-the-rise-heres-what-to-do-if-you-become-a-victim
7. ↑ https://driving.ca/column/corner-wrench/your-corner-wrench-what-if-someone-swipes-your-catalytic-converter
8. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/5-ways-to-foil-catalytic-converter-thieves
9. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/5-ways-to-foil-catalytic-converter-thieves

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