Place a covering around the area in which you plan to remove the blackberry plant. This can make clean up easier and minimize the risk of seeds or stems escaping and forming new plants. Use trash bags or tarps to cover the area to till. Using your hands or a pair of heavy-duty garden scissors to cut the stems of the blackberry plant. This will make it easier for you to remove the roots and source of life for the plant. Using the covering you used around the blackberry bush, bundle the stems together. Then dispose of the stems in your garbage or a place in which they are not exposed to the soil to prevent regrowth.  Make sure to get every bit of stem off of the ground because a new bush can still grow even from a short cutting.  Check with your community to inquire about local regulations on disposing of organic plant material. Once you’ve removed the stems, you can more easily access the root ball. Using a trowel or shovel, dig the surrounding soil until you expose the entire root ball.  Make sure to dig around the root ball so that you don’t break it up and potentially release seeds or stems into the soil.  Be aware that digging up the root ball will not kill the plant since some plant material may remain, but this does make tilling the soil much easier. Gently take the root ball out from the soil around which you’ve dug a hole. Not only can this ensure easier tilling, but can also remove a major source of rhizomes that can propagate the bush. However, keep in mind that blackberry plants do not form a tight root ball like some other plants and the roots can run a long way underground. Follow the roots to the ends and then carefully dig them up with a trowel.   Use gloves when you remove the root ball to minimize the risk of cutting yourself. Dig further around the root ball if it doesn’t come out when you pull on it. This may allow you to get most bits of root in one movement. Dispose of the root ball in the same way you did the stems. It’s important to till, or break up and turn over, the soil after removing the stems and root balls. This can help remove or starve any material, including rhizomes, which are also called rootstocks, that can propagate further plants.  Use a cultivator fork or deep spade to turn over and break up soil in small areas. You can purchase these at most home improvement and hardware stores. Rent an engine-powered tiller for larger areas. You can rent (or buy) these at home improvement and hardware stores.  Be sure that you’ve broken up and turned over your soil by examining it. The soil will often look darker if it’s come from under the surface. If you do not want to till the soil, then you can also just mow over any shoots that do come up. This will weaken the plants and stop the shoots from coming up. Use a heavy layer of plastic to cover the soil and minimize the risk of more blackberries growing. Then cover the plastic with 4-5 inches of mulch to further deter growth. Follow up your removal and tilling with frequent care of your soil. Repeating your tilling efforts can minimize the number of plantlets and eventually kill all of your blackberries. Till once a week or any time you see plantlets. Eventually, the blackberry plants will die.
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One-sentence summary -- Cover the area around the plant. Cut the stems. Bundle the stems for disposal. Dig up the root ball. Remove the root ball. Till the soil. Cover the soil. Repeat tilling.


Routine vet visits are vital to senior pet care, so schedule check-ups for your pooch every 6 months. Regular exams can help you and the vet catch any issues as early as possible.  Try to develop a strong relationship with your dog’s vet. From diet to exercise, your pet may have lots of special needs, so ask the vet for advice. Additionally, if you have a good working relationship with the vet, it’s more likely that you can call the office if you have a minor concern instead of having to pay for an appointment. Go with a commercial dog food labeled for senior dogs. Check the label and consult the vet about the best daily amount to feed your dog. Obesity is a major health concern in senior dogs, so monitor your pet’s diet and work with the vet to help your pet maintain a healthy weight.  Feed your dog smaller meals several times a day. Feeding it specific amounts of food instead of free feeding will help you control its weight, and smaller meals are easier on its digestive system. Even if your pal gives you its most convincing sad eyes, resist the urge to give it table scraps. Maintain a regular exercise routine, but obey your best bud’s limits. For instance, instead of 1 to 2 long walks, go on multiple 5 to 10-minute walks per day.  Exercise is important to control weight and promote healthy muscles, bones, and joints. However, arthritis, heart disease, and lung issues are common in senior dogs, so ask the vet for tips about giving your dog the right amount of exercise. Do a consistent amount of exercise throughout the week. If your older dog is used to taking short walks during the week, it may not be able to handle taking longer walks on the weekends. To provide mental stimulation, play games like fetch and hide and seek, and practice tricks, if your dog knows any. In addition, interactive puzzle toys can keep your pet engaged when you’re unable to play with it. If your dog is healthy enough, try taking it to new places. For example, go for a walk down a street where you’ve never ventured. While you shouldn’t overwhelm your dog with loud, crowded, or stressful surroundings, new sights and smells can offer mental stimulation. Dental hygiene is a crucial part of senior dog care, so brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Try to make the experience as positive as possible, offer lots of encouragement, and use a tasty, flavored canine toothpaste. Keep in mind that, in addition to regular brushing, your vet will recommend periodic professional teeth cleanings.  Use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically labeled for dogs. Never use toothpaste made for humans to brush your dog's teeth. If your dog doesn’t tolerate having its teeth brushed, try using a cloth. It’s also helpful to play games or go for a walk before tending to its teeth. That way, it’ll be tuckered out and less likely to put up a fuss. If your dog doesn't take any, talk to the vet about oral flea, tick, and heartworm medications. These parasites pose major health risks to senior pets, so preventative care is especially important for your older pooch. Additionally, make sure your pet gets all vaccinations recommended by the vet and required by your local jurisdiction. Like humans, older animals have weaker immune systems. Since your senior dog is less able to fight off germs and parasites, keeping up with vaccinations and parasite preventatives is a must.
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One-sentence summary -- Take your dog to the vet twice a year. Feed your dog a well-balanced, low-fat diet. Give your dog a moderate amount of exercise. Play games together daily to keep your pet mentally active. Brush your dog’s teeth daily. Maintain vaccination and parasite prevention routines.


Fill the lower chamber of your moka pot with water and set the strainer on top. Fill the strainer with your espresso-ground coffee and wipe away any grounds on the edge. Screw on the top of the pot and set it on your stove over low heat. Heat the espresso until you hear gurgling and the water boils. Turn off the heat once the moka pot is full of espresso. Stir the pot and use the espresso right away.  Avoid packing down the espresso in the strainer. This can clog your moka pot. You should heat the moka pot for 5 to 7 minutes.
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One-sentence summary --
Make your espresso in a moka pot.