I have been busy with many projects and have neglected updating this blog. That will change in the next few weeks as I go through and get all of my blogs up to date and keep on schedule.

My next green project will be sealing the basement better. I have a few reasons for doing this- better insulation and to reduce the radon levels a bit. I am just over the limits by some standards and there are significant openings into the block wall for the radon to enter the basement. I think with a little sealing, caulking, foaming, and tightening up I will be well below the safe levels.

I recently completed the Master Rain Gardener class help bu the Washtenaw County Watershed department and install my first rain garden. Basically- it is a depression in the ground to detain rainwater until it can soak into the soil.

Left unabated rainwater in urban settings will go directly into the storm sewer, into our rivers, and eventually into the Great Lakes. This causes a high volume of extra water from impervious surfaces increasing erosion, flooding, and pollution.

In Michigan we get a significant amount of snowfall through the winter. Clearing the snow when I have 3500 square feet of drive and walk ways is difficult and time consuming after a few inches of snow. I have used shovels, gas snow blowers, and a blade on my tractor to get things done as quickly and safely as possible. I know that small gas engines are bad polluters even when properly tuned and well maintained so I recently purchased an electric snow blower so see how it would work an my home.

It has been a busy year and I have fallen behind on this blog. Since spring is just around the corner (according to the groundhog)now is a great time to think about starting a garden this year.

For a little time and effort you can just walk out your back door for fresh vegetables and herbs for your meals. This is the time here in Michigan to start your plants from seeds so they will be ready to plant in late April. Some plants that are not as hardy you may want to wit a while but it is good to get things together now.

As I was cleaning the garage over the weekend I rooted through the pile of building materials I have acquired through the past few years. I tend to save things that may have use for a project in the future. Though I keep it orderly things can get out of hand and finding a certain item can be difficult.

We have a beautiful fall here in Michigan. The leaves changing color and the weather getting cooler makes working outside an enjoyable experience. It also means it is time to get the rake out and deal with leaves in an environmentally friendly manner.

When possible- I feel it is best to use a mulching mower to mulch the leaves into to grass. This works well for moderate leaf accumulation- up to a couple inches of leaves. If you have certain areas that get a significant leaf fall you can rake or blow some of the leaves to distribute them more evenly before mulching.

I like the Autumn and the cooler crisp temperatures it brings. The 50's and 60's are perfect for many outdoor activities, yard work, and long walks in the woods while the leaves change color. The cooler temperatures also is a reminder to button up, seal up, and get the home ready for a cold winter.

Soil sampling and testing is important for gardens and lawns to insure a proper pH balance and that the correct amount of nutrients are present. Though not difficult or expensive, it is not usually done by homeowners.

Having a soil sampling probe makes the job easier but it is not necessary. For lawns, a 3" deep sample is good and for a garden 6" is better because of the deeper root zone of the plants. It is best to take the sample when the soil is dry but not so dry it is hard to dig (or probe) into the soil.

I have read a lot about sustainable living and having a low environmental impact. One thing that comes up from time to time is how bad lawns are for the environment. I would agree that an over fertilized and watered lawn is not a good thing- but a properly maintained lawn can be an asset to the environment.

I find it interesting that many people have talked a lot about recycling and how good it is for the environment. This is very true but I feel that recycling is a last resort before throwing something away (the last R- rubbish). I always encourage people to recycle and here in Ann Arbor and single stream recycling there is no reason not to do so.