Composting Fall Leaves

There is no better season than fall in Wisconsin. The cool crisp air in the mornings, followed by a comfortable sun splashed afternoon can't be beat. The smell of leaves permeates the air, as they leave behind their summer green for the many vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red. Apples are ripe for the picking and the pies are hot and fresh, tossing their cinnamon aroma into the cool breeze.

 The leaves of course are going to fall soon and cover our yards with their colorful blanket. This means that in order for our grass to survive, we have to remove the leaves before they suffocate our lawn.

 You can of course rake them into a pile and have some fun with the little ones first, but ultimately they have to go. Living in town I only have three choices for my leaf disposal, raking them up and hauling them to the curb is one choice. That means I have to make sure they are there, whenever the city comes by to pick them up, which can put a lot strain on your schedule. My second choice is hauling them in myself to the city dump which is also a lot of work and requires time off during the hours that they are open.

 The third and final choice is composting. This is by far the best answer for me and for my flower beds come spring time. I have built myself a compost bin from treated lumber and chicken wire. It is a very simple design and is very effective in turning our yard waste into valuable compost. You can also purchase many different types and sizes of compost bins. 

Instead of raking leaves I usually just put the bagger on my lawnmower and essentially use it like a vacuum to suck up the leaves. This is not only faster and easier but it also chops the leaves a little which helps speed up the composting process.

 Another added benefit is that we are filling fewer garbage bags each week because we throw all of our food waste into the compost bin as well. Everything from egg shells, to coffee grounds, to old leftovers, gets thrown in the compost. This keeps our garbage can less full and less offensive. Between recycling and composting we only put our garbage on the curb every other week while the rest of our neighbors have theirs out every week. Composting is not only good for the environment but it can also be a quick and convenient solution for yard waste disposal!

For a great resource on how to build compost bins visit this composting site.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

If you are looking for a fast easy meal, something warm on a cold day then this soup can't be beat! It is so simple that anyone can make it. I add garlic to mine to turn up the flavor and whatever vegetables you have around the house. This is a really hearty meal and makes a ton of leftovers! 

My mom used to make a version of this that she called potato chowder. She would make a huge batch of it and we would have lunches for a week, or she would freeze some of it for a quick meal when no one had time to cook. This is what is called "stick to your ribs" food it will warm you up, fill you up, and put a smile on your face!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

1 pound bacon

1 1/2 sticks of butter

2/3 C. flour

7 C. milk

4 large potatoes peeled and cubed

4 green onions chopped

2 cloves garlic 

1 bag shredded cheddar cheese

1. Microwave the bacon ahead of time by placing it on a plate lined with paper towel to soak up the grease. I usually put it in for about 2 minutes less than the number of strips, so 6 strips equals 4 min. This method has worked well for me so far! Let it cool after it is crispy, then crumble it and set it aside.

2. In a stock pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk constantly stirring until thickened. Add potatoes and some onions, save some green onions for garnish. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Mix in bacon and about half the bag of cheese, save some for garnish, add salt and pepper to taste. Once it tastes good and the cheese is melted you are done!

What are some of your favorite cold weather meals?

Planting Tulips

A lot of the first flowers that come out of the ground in the springtime come from bulbs that were planted in the fall. Tulips and irises are just a couple of these types of flowers, we went with red and yellow tulips.

When planting bulbs in the fall make sure you have a good location that gets enough sun. Each type of flower has different specifications for how much Sun is required for good growth, details on the package should explain how much sun is required. First you need a small garden spade, a way to get water, and a really cute helper doesn't hurt either! 

Dig a hole about 6 inches deep then place the bulb with the flat side down into the bottom of the hole. Water generously before covering with dirt and then move about 4 inches away to start the next hole. Bulbs should be planted between September and November, here in the east central region of Wisconsin, again check the package for instructions on when to plant for your location. 

The final step in bulb planting is to cover the area with a thick layer of leaves or straw, anything to help insulate them from the winter cold. Once the first warm days of spring arrive and there seems to be no danger of frost, clear the leaves or straw and you should find small green shoots already popping out of the ground. If you don't see anything growing yet it's ok, just clear the area and let the sun warm the ground and they should come up just fine. This is another great family project, the kids will enjoy planting the bulbs and even though by spring time they will have forgotten all about them, they will still be excited to see them grow!