Chuck and Vonnie Aug have lived in their big white house in Preston for 39 years, but it wasn’t until they tore down the old garage to build a new one 26 years ago, that Vonnie got into landscaping. Once the garage came down and she saw the bare dirt, she figured that she needed to either pay someone to take care of it or learn to garden herself. She had never really done any … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator Just as many parts of our lives have been changed by the pandemic, our upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection event will also have some changes to ensure the safety of all of our participants and staff. We ask for everyone’s help to have a safe collection event on October 6 from 12-5 p.m. The requirements to … [Read more...]
Upcoming training: GAPs for gardeners
Do you grow fresh produce as a part of a community garden, school garden or for donation? If so, join University of Minnesota Extension to learn practical steps for keeping your produce and customers healthy. Attend this series to learn science-based best practices to reduce foodborne illnesses associated with fresh fruits and vegetables, or Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). … [Read more...]
Munroe home: Attention to detail
Mike and Susie Munroe have finally moved into their new home, located on a gravel road a couple of miles northeast of Canton. And although there are still a few items to be finished at their new home (mostly landscaping and other outside work), Mike and Susie said they definitely feel good about how the project has gone, and they are very pleased with their decision to do … [Read more...]
Tips to successfully grow tomatoes
Slicing into the first tomato of the season is a much anticipated moment for gardeners. Tomatoes are among the most popular fruit or vegetable plants grown in home gardens. Much of that popularity may be credited to the fact that red, ripe tomatoes have a delicious, juicy flavor that serves as the basis for all sorts of recipes. And since tomatoes can just as easily be grown in … [Read more...]
Yurt living brings Wykoff family closer
After buying a piece of property outside of Wykoff, the Ramaker family – Damon, Kylie, Ruby, Lucy and Walter, had the difficult decision of what to do for a house. They decided that the existing home on the property wasn’t salvageable. After weighing their options, they ended up buying a yurt. A yurt, also called a ger, is a round, portable tent that is used by the … [Read more...]
The differences between organic and inorganic mulches
The benefits of mulch are widely known among lawn and garden enthusiasts. By insulating soil from extreme temperatures, helping soil to retain moisture and preventing weed growth, mulch can help plants, trees and gardens thrive, even during periods when Mother Nature can make that very difficult. Novice gardners may find themselves a little confused when visiting a lawn and … [Read more...]
Housing rehabilitation loans
Semcac, a Community Action Agency serving southeastern Minnesota, has funds available through Minnesota Housing for housing rehabilitation loans for eligible homeowners in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona counties. This loan is a 0% interest rate loan (no monthly payments) with a 15-year term or a 10-year term for … [Read more...]
Free radon and nitrate testing in Mabel
Fillmore County Public Health is providing a free radon and nitrate testing event at the Simple Living Farmer’s Market located at Hwy 44 on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Radon gas can cause lung cancer and is in many homes. The only way to know if you have radon is to test your home with easy-to-use test kits. Fillmore County residents may also have … [Read more...]
Seed Grant funding available for Minnesota clean energy projects
Do you and your community need funding to get an energy efficiency or renewable energy project off the ground? The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) can help! CERTs seeks to provide Seed Grants to support the labor costs for clean energy projects that spur community development in Minnesota. Project proposals should be for community-based energy efficiency and renewable … [Read more...]