- Author: Tammy Majcherek
The holidays are here and regardless of how you may choose to celebrate, there is one thing that we all have in common: the New Year's resolution. As the New Year approaches, we begin reflecting on all of those nasty little habits that we have and ways in which to modify our behavior as soon as January 1st hits. We always start off with the very best of intentions but more often than not, we are back to our old ways and left with nothing more than broken promises.
But wait, hope is not lost! I have a few really great goals that are easily achieved and will benefit the environment and your pocket book.
1. Decrease Your Waste-Line
- Take old pesticides to the nearest household hazardous waste collection center. Call (714) 834-6752 or visit www.oclandfills.com for directions and hours of operation.
2. Recycle Nutrients From Your Landscape
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn to recycle nutrients.
3. Increase Your Water Savings
- During the Fall and Winter months reduce the amounts of days between irrigating as plants use less water when days are shorter and weather is cooler.
- Turn off your sprinklers when it is raining.
- Mulch garden beds to reduce evaporation from bare soil.
4. Reduce Nutrient Loss
- Apply fertilizers only when plants are actively growing.
5. Reduce Weeds in Your Yard
- Reduce weeds by applying a thick mulch layer around plants.
6. Encourage Beneficial Insects in Your Yard
- Use less-toxic garden chemical alternatives whenever possible.
Becoming a better steward of the land may not have been what you had in mind as you were reflecting on changes that you might make, but how can you go wrong when it benefits everyone and saves you money at the same time? Give it some thought and hopefully you will incorporate one or two of these resolutions. For more support to a leaner and greener garden, call the UCCE Master Gardener Hotline (714) 708-1646 for free advice.
Happy Holidays!