By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator Bob Dylan said it best when he wrote “times they are a-changin’.” As uncomfortable as it may be, change is inevitable. Here in Fillmore County we are forced to change more often than we may like. Due to changes in recycling markets, and changes to policies at the landfills Fillmore County uses, we are making several changes to … [Read more...]
Recycling 101: Household Hazardous Waste
By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and leaves are starting to change color. This can only mean one thing… It’s time for another Household Hazardous Waste event in Fillmore County! This fall, Household Hazardous Waste Day will be on Tuesday, October 2 from 12-5 p.m. This past spring, I offered some tips … [Read more...]
Is it a shed or a house?
“It’s called a shouse,” Betty Johnson said. “We call it home,” her husband Darin finished. Betty, RN Lead at Olmsted Medical Center in Chatfield and Darin, who does construction work, live in a large shed that is also a house, called a “shouse.” When they first started thinking about building a shouse, their adult kids, Josh, Jess, and John were appalled. “They said, ‘Mom, … [Read more...]
Rushford farm upgrades to solar
With the costs related to farming on the rise, Rushford resident and farmer Jon Peterson is always on the lookout for ways to increase efficiencies and maintain sustainability efforts. This May, Peterson and his family installed a 37.5 kilowatt-generating solar array at Hill Vue Farm, their 800-acre organic farm. “This was really the only option we considered,” says Peterson. … [Read more...]
Transplanting trees no small task
An alluring landscape can make a home that much more enjoyable. Many homeowners devote considerable time to their lawns and gardens, and that devotion can pay both instant and long-term dividends. A well-groomed landscape can make it more enjoyable to relax in the yard, and such a property will be more attractive to prospective buyers when homeowners want to sell their homes. … [Read more...]
Seeding and fertilizing schedule
Seed and fertilize when temperatures are moderate and soil is warm. Remember to keep new grass seed moist with frequent watering. Restoring lawns and gardens back to their pre-winter glory is high on many a homeowner's landscaping to-do list. In much of the country, the best times to tackle lawn projects are when temperatures are moderate, like in spring and fall. These … [Read more...]
Earth-friendly tips for autumn
Autumn is upon us, and with the change of seasons comes the fall to-do list that must be completed before the arrival of winter weather. Many outdoor jobs are best completed before temperatures drop, while others can be tackled indoors to help save energy and prepare for increased time spent inside the home. Outdoor cleanup Autumn means leaves are falling from trees and … [Read more...]
7 uses for fallen leaves
By the time autumn hits full swing, many trees will have shed their leaves for the season, and the last vestiges of red, yellow and orange magic will have faded to brown. Raking, blowing and collecting leaves becomes the primary chores of lawn and yard maintenance, and presents most homeowners with large piles of gathered leaves to tend to. It is impossible to count just how … [Read more...]
Did you know?
Before saying "so long" to yard work at the end of autumn, homeowners should remove thatch from their lawns. Thatch is dead grass that's often identifiable by its yellowish tint, and this dead grass, if left to loom in the lawn over the winter, can block air and moisture from making its way into the soil. That can make it difficult for a lawn to recover come the spring and may … [Read more...]
What to expect from Extension when calling about weed control options
Controlling weeds – especially ones with invasive properties – is challenging. Part of my job is to help people make decisions related to weed control. Here are some things you can expect when calling the Extension office looking for advice. • There is often no silver bullet to control the weeds we have today. Complete control takes time and work. And you will often need to … [Read more...]