Order Compost for your gardening or landscaping needs!

Order Compost for your gardening or landscaping needs!

by Composting

Compost is a  soil amendment  DO NOT PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THIS OR ANY OTHER COMPOST. COMPOST SHOULD BE BLENDED THOROUGHLY WITH SOIL AND/OR OTHER NON-COMPOST AMENDMENTS.

PRICING

Compost ($16.00/cubic yard)

Garden Blend mixes 45 percent compost, 45 percent black dirt, and 10 percent sand to help ensure beautiful gardening results. ($21.00/cubic yard)

50/50 Compost Blend mixes 50 percent compost and 50 percent black dirt to grow vibrant plants, trees, and shrubs. ($18.00/cubic yard)

Topsoil contains highly-concentrated organic matter to ensure the greatest growth results. ($20.00/cubic yard)

Rain Garden Blend is a mix of 70 percent sand soil and 30 percent compost. Used to filter water before it leaves job sites. ($23.00/cubic yard)

DELIVERY OR PICK UP: Delivery is $110 dollars. For soil and compost, the maximum load is 15 yards. For mulch, max load is 25 yards. They will not deliver mixed loads. Pick up with your vehicle in Burnsville. For more information please contact the Mulch Store online or call at 952-946-6999.

http://www.mulchstoremn.com/mulch.html 

Mulch. Click here for photos and prices on mulch.

Use the compost calculator to calculate how much compost you need.

Compost CalculatorThis simple calculator will tell you how much compost you need to amend or top-dress your project.  Simply (1) enter the length in feet, (2) enter the width in feet, (3) select the depth you’d like, and (5) press Calculate. Your answer will appear under the calculate button.

Soil Amendment: 

Compost used as an amendment is typically incorporated into the soil anywhere from 1″ – 6″ deep or more, depending on need. The typical application rate to amend soil is 3 CY / 1000 sq ft at 1″ deep.

Top Dressing: 

Compost used as a top dressing is applied to the top of the ground from 1/4″ to a maximum of 3/8″ in depth. The typical application rate for top dressing is 1 CY / 1000 sq ft at 1/4-3/8″ deep.

For Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds: 

Blend compost with the existing soil. Use between 3 cubic yards per 1000 square feet (1” thick) to a maximum of 6 cubic yards per 1000 square feet (2” thick). Roto-till, disc, or manually blend this layer of compost with 6” of the existing soil. It is best to mix soil first, then apply compost, then mix compost and loosened soil again. 

For Bedding Plants: 

Spread 1/8 to ¼” of compost evenly on top of the soil, mix into the soil, and then water thoroughly. 

For House Plants: 

Spread 1 tablespoon per 6” pot or about 1/8” of compost evenly over the top of the soil and water. Repeat every six months or when required.

For Sod Preparation: 

Blend compost with the existing soil. Use between 3 cubic yards per 1000 square feet (1” thick) to a maximum of 6 cubic yards per 1000 square feet (2” thick). Roto-till soil, disc, or manually blend this layer of compost with 6” of the existing soil. It is best to mix soil first, then apply compost, then mix compost and loosened soil again. 

For Seed Bed Preparation:

Blend compost with the existing soil. Use between 1-1/2 cubic yards per 1000 square feet (1/2” thick) to a maximum of 3 cubic yards per 1000 square feet (1” thick). Roto-till, disc, or manually blend this layer of compost with 6” of the existing soil. It is best to mix soil first, then apply compost, then mix compost and loosened soil again. 

For Backfilling Trees:

Mix one part of compost with 3 parts of native soil and backfill around the root ball.

Why Is Composting Good?

By Nacy, eHow Contributor 

Compost is one of the most beneficial soil amendments, and adding it is one of the easiest ways to improve the health of your garden. The byproduct of organic materials decomposing, compost is an excellent way to recharge the soil.

Multivitamins: 

Compost delivers a balanced blend of the nutrients plants need to grow. Unlike fertilizer, which acts quickly and can burn plants, compost is a gentle, slow-release vitamin.

Improved Soil Structure: 

Compost adds bulk to sandy soil and helps it retain moisture. It loosens heavy clay soil so it drains better. 

Earth Movers: 

Beneficial soil organisms, from earthworms to microscopic creatures, live in compost and give it vitality. The worms tunnel through the soil to aerate it and boost its nutrient value with their waste. Soil organisms work like pro-biotics to keep the beneficial bacteria flourishing.   

Improved Resistance to Pests and Diseases:

Just like people, plants are better able to fend off diseases if they are healthy. In addition, botanists have found that pests are less likely to attack healthy plants. Since compost-fed plants are stronger, to begin with, if they are infected or attacked they recover faster than plants growing in soil without compost.  

Mulch: 

When applied in beds, compost makes an excellent mulch. It keeps weeds down and helps the soil retain moisture.

Composting on the Farm: 

Farmers have been composting for centuries by plowing their fields under at the end of the growing season. Add some compost to every planting hole you dig. Spread it around established plants. Sprinkle it over newly seeded patches of grass. Grow potted plants in it. Once you start using black gold, you will find more and more uses for it.

Read this: Community Solar

Backyard Composting

Backyard Composting

by BackyardComposting

The MN Pollution Control Agency gives you the scoop on backyard composting:

Yard trimmings and food scraps make up nearly 1/6 of what the average household throws into the garbage. By composting, you can convert organic wastes—yard trimmings, leaves, and many kinds of kitchen scraps—into a dark, crumbly mixture that can be used to improve the soil and reduce your use of fertilizer and water.

Composting how-to:

Composting is an easy way to reduce waste while improving your yard and garden.

Watch a video about how to compost. All you have to do is mix together nitrogen-rich “greens,” carbon-rich “browns,” water, and air. Click on the pictures on the right to download handy PDFs on how to compost and how to diagnose common issues.

  • Greens provide nitrogen and act as a source of protein for the microbes that are hard at work in your compost pile. Greens include green leaves, coffee grounds, tea bags, plant trimmings, raw fruit and vegetable scraps, fresh grass clippings, and hair.
  • Browns are a source of carbon and provide energy for the microbes. Browns include dried grasses, leaves and some weeds, straw, woodchips, twigs and branches, sawdust, shredded newspaper, corncobs, and stalks.
  • Water allows microbes to grow and travel around in the pile to decompose materials.
  • Turning your pile each week with a spade or pitchfork will provide air to aid decomposition and control odors.
  • If any problems do arise, be considerate of your neighbors and learn about common problems and solutions.

The compost bin

You can compost in a simple pile, but using a container or bin helps your compost pile retain heat and moisture and look neat. To get started, it’s easy to go with a single bin system. As materials are added and mixed together, the finished compost settles at the bottom of the bin.

Materials. Bins can be built from scrap lumber, old pallets, snow fence, chicken wire, or concrete blocks. Typically, several types of composting bins are sold at hardware or lawn and garden stores.

Size. A pile that is 1 cubic yard (3 feet high, 3 feet wide, 3 feet long) is big enough to retain heat and moisture, but small enough to be easily turned. Home compost piles shouldn’t be larger than 5′ x 5′ x 5′.

  • Check out the various types of manufactured bins
  • Find designs for building your own bin

Ideas for apartment and condo dwellers

  • Share a compost pile with a neighbor. Offer to help build and turn the pile in return for space.
  • Feed kitchen scraps to red worms, right inside your apartment. Read about vermicomposting or watch a video (below).

 Information provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Check out: Order Compost For Your Gardening Or Landscaping Needs!

Your mode of transit affects your Carbon Footprint

Your mode of transit affects your Carbon Footprint

by Bikes & Buses
  • When the complete life cycle of the following modes is taken into account, the carbon emissions are approximate:
    • Bicycle, 21g CO2/passenger/ km traveled
    • Electric-assist bicycle, 22g  CO2/passenger/km traveled
    • Bus, 101 CO2/passenger/km traveled
    • Passenger car, 271g  CO2/passenger/km traveled*

*European Cyclists’ Federation, 2011

Thinking about Biking? LHP&L’s bike committee can help get you started. Click here.
Considering the bus? Click here.

Check out: Southwest Pedal Power

ClearStream Unit Rental and Glad One Bag Challenge

ClearStream Unit Rental and Glad One Bag Challenge

by Composting

Linden Hills Power & Light (LHP&L) has five sets of ClearStream recycling units available for your events. Larger events requiring more than five sets should contact Renee VanSiclen [email protected] to reserve up to 40 units.

LHP&L charges a small fee for unit rental in order to cover costs. For each “station” (set of three units -one each composting, recycling, and trash per photo at right) we charge $5, plus the cost of bags ($1 per bag). Minimum order $10. We also encourage you to submit photo/s and feedback after your event.

Look at ideas on how to reduce waste here.

Linden Hills Power & Light – ClearStream Loan Program Guidelines

  • ClearStream units shall be picked up from and returned to Linden Hills Power & Light, 2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis MN 55410 M-F 10am-4pm. Email: [email protected]; Ph: 612-925-4249.
  • Photos or emailed feedback should be submitted to [email protected] within 3 days of your event date.
  • LHP&L reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to charge a damages fee if all ClearStreams are not returned in the same condition in which they were received (i.e., clean and undamaged). Containers must be cleaned before they are returned.
  • The ClearStream loan is not a guarantee until the application is approved and the fee is paid (you will be notified of approval).
  • Submitted photos may be used at the discretion of LHP&L, including and not limited to, websites, social media outlets, print and online publications, marketing, media requests, public displays, etc.
  • By submitting the photo/s, photographers consent they have permission from individuals to use their image or visual likeness from any people depicted in the photos.
  • By submitting the photo/s, photographers give LHP&L consent for unlimited usage rights of any images submitted. There will be no credit or compensation given to the photographer, the person submitting the photos or any people depicted in the photos.

Check out: Easy Energy Efficiency

Property investment strategies every Australian investor should know

Transforming Adelaide’s Real Estate Landscape with Buyer’s Agents

by with No Comment Brisbane Buyers AgentBuyers Agent SydneyHouse SellersTiles and Bath

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, renovating homes isn’t just about refurbishing interiors or updating exteriors; it’s about reshaping dreams and redefining lifestyles. Nowhere is this more evident than in Adelaide, where a vibrant real estate market meets the discerning tastes of homeowners seeking to elevate their living spaces. In this article, we delve into the transformative power of renovating homes in Adelaide and how buyers agents are playing a pivotal role in this process.

Adelaide’s Dynamic Real Estate Scene

Nestled along the serene coastline of South Australia, Adelaide boasts a rich tapestry of architectural styles and neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. From historic cottages in leafy suburbs to sleek modern residences in the heart of the city, Adelaide’s real estate landscape offers something for everyone. However, with the passage of time, many of these homes are in need of rejuvenation to meet the demands of modern living.

The Role of Buyer’s Agents in Renovation

Enter the buyer’s agent: a trusted advisor and advocate for those seeking to navigate the complexities of the real estate market. In Adelaide, buyer’s agents are playing an increasingly vital role in the renovation process, helping clients identify properties with untapped potential and guiding them through every step of the renovation journey. With their intimate knowledge of the local market and extensive network of contacts, buyer’s agents are adept at finding hidden gems and unlocking the true value of properties through strategic renovations.

Adelaide’s Best Buyer’s Agents

When it comes to selecting a buyer’s agent in Adelaide, there are several key factors to consider. Experience, expertise, and a proven track record of success are essential qualities to look for in a buyer’s agent. Additionally, a deep understanding of the local market dynamics and a commitment to personalized service are crucial for ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

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Curbside Composting in Minneapolis -It’s so easy!

by with No Comment Uncategorized

The City of Minneapolis has approved curbside collection of compostable items for the neighborhoods of Linden Hills, East Calhoun and Route 2. It’s not too late to join! The program is FREE, ongoing and you can sign up any time.

Residents of single family, duplexes and fourplexes are now able to recycle their organics through the curbside collection program. You don’t need a backyard composter, all you need to have is a willingness to try something new. Over 1400 of your neighbors will attest – it’s so easy! The city drops off a wheeled green cart, you simply keep your organic material -food scraps and soiled paper – separate from your plastic and recycling and simply wheel that material to the curb on your regular garbage pick up day. If you can take out the trash you can curbside compost! For ideas on how to set up your kitchen for composting, click here. For ideas for setting up your other recycling, click here.

Click here for info on Fruit flies and gnats.

Not in a neighborhood that offers curbside composting? Click here to see how easy it is to compost in your backyard or apartment.

Restaurants that Compost: Support those who support the earth!

Love what we’re doing? We could use your support (via financial donation or committee help). Click here for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

COLLECTION:
How does it work?
Once you sign up to participate in the pilot (see above), the city will deliver a 65 gallon green “organics” cart to your home. It looks very similar to your normal black wheeled bin that you bring out to the curb before your garbage collector arrives. From then on, you will wheel both bins out to the curb on your regular collection day and the city will take your compostables (green cart), and your non-compostable garbage (black cart). Feel free to call the city and request they replace your large 94 gallon black cart with a smaller version (and save $3 per month) if space is an issue. You’ll probably find that there’s very little to put in your black cart anyway. Many people find they only need to put their black cart out every 2 weeks -one less chore on garbage night!

What IS compostable?
Food scraps, including fruit and vegetable peelings, meat, leftovers, etc. Paper products that you’re not currently recycling -(continue to recycle newspaper, office paper, cardboard, corrugated card in your usual manner) that is, tissues, paper towels, egg cartons, pop boxes, paper that’s touched food e.g. paper plates, pizza boxes; waxed containers such as milk cartons, and packaging from fridge and freezer products. By participating in the composting program, you’ll find there should be no paper in your trash at all. Other items that are biodegradable include coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, lint from your dryer, vacuum bags, old potted plants, and unusable old (non-synthetic) clothes. Note, yard waste will not be collected with the organics at this time. You can find a comprehensive, A-Z list of what is and isn’t compostable here. 

What is NOT compostable?
There should be very little in your regular black trash cart apart from plastics (plastic wrap, plastic packaging, non recyclable plastic bags) and broken glass, ceramics, rubber, leather, non-recyclable metal (this includes foil-lined items like candy bar wrappers and chip packets), diapers and pet feces.  Keep yard waste out as usual. Minnepaolis recycles all plastics 1-7, plus waxed cardboard like milk and OJ cartons, plus aseptic packaging like juice boxes and foil lined soup boxes.

My kitchen is so tiny. How should I set up my home for composting?
Click here for several different ways to set up your trash system -1,400 people can’t be wrong – they thought it would be tricky and then discovered the truth – it’s SO EASY!!!

What are the benefits of composting?
Click here.

How can I get some compost back for my garden?
Just as aluminum can recyclers and plastic bottle recylers don’t give us free cans of pop or bottles of water, the companies that create compost are looking to make a living and create a valued resource, not give away their product for free. We will have some free compost to give away at the Linden Hills festival, but if you want more than a pail full, you can order bulk compost here.

For a full listing A through Z, of what is and isn’t compostable, please click here.

TIPS and HINTS:

  • Line mini kitchen bin or paper bags with shredded paper, used paper towels, napkins, used paper plates or a sheet of newspaper to help absorb liquid or moisture that escapes from wet food scraps.
  • Wrap food scraps like meat, fish, poultry, cooking grease, sauces, soups, etc., in used paper products like used paper towels before placing in mini kitchen bin.
  • During warm months, you can freeze food scraps like shell fish or fish until collection day.
  • Clean out your fridge, freezer or cupboards of expired food products just before your collection day instead of after your collection day.
  • Keep your green cart outside in a shady, convenient, well-ventilated area.
  • During the winter, move green cart closer to your house to allow for easier access.
  • Keep air vents located at the bottom of the green cart clear to allow for air circulation.
  • During warm months, place your green cart curbside each week on your scheduled collection day even if your cart is not full.
  • Rub the inside of your green cart lid with vinegar and/or sprinkle a small amount of rock salt, baking soda or lime inside your cart to control fruit flies and prevent pests.

Compost Captains

by Composting

Compost Captains are your “go-to” people on your block for all things compost. Got questions about what is and isn’t and can’t be bothered reading our list here? Or have other questions they could help with? Click here for a list of compost captains by Linden Hills block. If you don’t know your block’s captain, email me and I will forward your details to them to contact you. If your block doesn’t have a compost captain, please consider volunteering! Simply enter your email below and select compost captain as your group and you’ll be kept informed. 

View a brief video of compost captains here.

Check out: Curbside Composting in Minneapolis -it’s so easy!

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

by Composting

Energy efficiency means using less energy to accomplish the same task. The more efficient use of energy throughout our country results in less money spent on energy by homeowners, schools, government agencies, businesses, and industries. The money that would have been spent on energy can instead be spent on consumer goods, education, services, and products. (For more economic impact information, see the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the Alliance to Save Energy Web sites.) Click this page for easy options that can save LOTS of energy, AND money. Homework help: Energy Slogans here.

An energy-efficient economy can grow without using more energy. In 1998, for instance, the U.S. gross domestic product increased by 3.9%, while U.S. energy use decreased by 0.3%.

COMMUNITY ENERGY SERVICES

Join over 5000 Minneapolis residents who have already participated in the CES home energy visits. This is not a cookie-cutter program – every visit is customized to your house.

A technician and consultant will come to your home and replace all incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, wrap your pipes, check your furnace, conduct a blower door test to identify leaks, and even install and program a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one.

In addition, they will go over your utility bills with you and show how you compare to similar sized houses, and monitor your progress and improvements for the next 12 months. Best of all they are an impartial party who can evaluate larger changes you’ve been considering -e.g. new windows, and insulation, and provide estimates and recommended contractors who have been through their strict vetting process. They will also provide information on financing, incentives, stimulus funding, and rebates for those wishing to complete larger projects such as insulation or a furnace replacement.

UPCOMING WORKSHOP DATES

Click here for an up-to-date listing of upcoming free workshops where you can enroll for your home visit.

Read the testimonials below or click here for even more; plus CES appearances in the media!

TESTIMONIALS

“I had experts looking over my home and I was able to have specific questions answered. This energy audit is an amazing deal for $40.”

Jennie, Longfellow

“Great value and love that they installed materials for me! Plus we had no clue how to prioritize projects – they really helped.”

Matt and Laura, Kingfield

“The experience was great. I felt that I was doing something that will change how I consume energy and help me to save money going forward.”

Bill, Longfellow

“ I had the home energy audit a couple of months ago and would be HAPPY to have a sign in my yard. I  LOVED it.  Found out my electricity use is very low (YEA) and how to finally weatherstrip that darned basement door for once and for all. ”
Luanne, Linden Hills

“A big THANKS is in order. We just replaced our ancient boiler with a new 95%+ efficient boiler/water heater system. We could do this ONLY because LHP&L got us hooked up with CEE’s Community Energy Services program. With their help we got a loan and are eligible for multiple rebates/tax credits, so we could afford to replace it! No more worrying if that old thing will make it through the winter. Yea!  ”
Deb and Doug, Linden Hills

“These guys were extremely helpful in telling me what to focus on first; otherwise I wouldn’t have a clue.  My house is very old and I can’t do everything but they helped me figure out where I am losing the most heat.”

“So lucky to have a program like this in the neighborhood – really like the “empowerment” aspect (concrete behavioral steps that can improve bills and energy consumption) – incredible value – the nice and devoted staff!”

Eco Blend Award

Eco Blend Award

by Composting

The EcoBLEND Awards were created to encourage and reward builders, architects, and homeowners for incorporating eco-friendly design and sustainable building practices into new and remodeled projects in Minneapolis.

There are two project categories for recognition in the EcoBLEND Award,
(1) new construction, and
(2) remodel/addition,
for both commercial and residential projects. 

Any new or remodel project completed within the past five years in the City of Minneapolis is eligible.  A jury of industry experts and neighbors will evaluate EcoBLEND nominees in 4 key areas including resource efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and energy efficiency.  For full details, rules and entry forms click here.

Check out: Energy Efficiency