The 4 Rs — reduce, reuse, recycle and rot — are ways of eliminating waste which helps combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 4Rs can also help you save money and improve your garden. Here are some ways to use them in your yard and garden in December:
Reduce water runoff during heavy rains. Find ways to capture rainwater and allow it to soak in slowly. Consider rain gardens, bioswales, tanks, and simple depressions that can hold water short term. This also recharges groundwater for later use and prevents flooding downstream by slowing the flow of stormwater. Here are a couple of fun links to explore - https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/188636 https://www.slideshare.net/Sotirakou964/oregon-rain-garden-guide
Reuse your poinsettia next year by repotting and cutting back the stems in March. See- https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-handling-christmas-trees-and-poinsettias-following-holidays
and
https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/start-now-get-beautiful-poinsettias-holidays for more information on how to do this.
Recycle your fireplace ash by spreading wood ashes evenly on your vegetable garden. Use no more than 1.5 pounds per 100 square feet per year. Don't use if the soil pH is greater than 7.0 or if potassium levels are excessive.
Recycle your Christmas tree by placing it in your yard as shelter for birds and wildlife. Hang fruit slices, seed cakes or suet bags for extra food. Alternatively, trim the boughs to use as a winter mulch.
Improve your Rot (compost) by turning it and protecting it from heavy rains, if necessary.
From Benton County Master Gardeners -
Membership meetings: 3rd Monday Oct. to May 7:00pm Benton County Extension office.
Plant sale: May 6 at the Benton County Fairgrounds
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