Advanced Master Gardener

Reusing Yardwaste Unit 3

This unit introduces the concept of reuse as a yardwaste management tool.  “How to” information is given.  The benefits of mulching are explained. 

Objectives:

• Understand the concept of reusing yardwaste through mulching.

• Understand how to mulch and the benefits of mulching.

• Brush piles and other creative uses of yardwaste

Understanding Yardwaste Management

• Mulching as a yardwaste management tool

• Mulching materials

• Uses for mulch

• The benefits of mulching

Unit Review

The Master Gardener Handbook

• Chapter 10    The Vegetable Garden 252, 269

• Chapter 13    Selection, Use, and Care of Woody Plants   374

• Chapter 14    Herbaceous Plants  450, 453, 456

Reading Materials

Note that articles cited as:

"Staff. 2004.   (Title of article). Master Gardener—Land Care Steward.  Virginia Cooperative Extension. "

Are available in the Handbook.  To obtain the Handbook please contact the State Master Gardener Coordinator

Mulching

Relf. Diane. 2001. Mulching for a Healthy Landscape.  Virginia Cooperative Extension publication 426-724. http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-724/426-724.html

Staff.  Soils, Soil Amendments, and Nutrient Management.  Mulch.  Virginia Cooperative Extension, Chesterfield County .  pp. 45-46.

Relf, Diane.  2001.  Mulches For the Home Garden .  Virginia Cooperative Extension publication 426-326. http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-326/426-326.html

Staff.  Soils, Soil Amendments, and Nutrient Management.  Common Mulches.  Virginia Cooperative Extension, Chesterfield County .  p. 43.

Nathan , Virginia .  1991.  Free Materials for Mulching and Amending.  The Virginia Gardener 1991 Calendar: Recycling.  Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Hansen, Mary Ann and May, Jim.  1992.  Beware of Sour Mulch.  Virginia Gardener Newsletter.  11(7): 1.

Day, Susan.  1994.  Fresh Wood Chips as Mulch.  Virginia Gardener Newsletter.  13(7): 1.

Dodd, Enis.  1989.  Wood Chips as Mulch.  Maryland Cooperative Extension Service

Montgomery County . Over-mulching.  1990.  VCE Press Release.  Master Gardener—Land Care Steward. Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Richard, Tom.  1992.  Municipal Yard Waste Composting Operator’s Fact Sheet #8: Chipping Woody Wastes.  Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Home Composting Education Program.  1995.  Humboldt County Master Composter Training Manual.  Equipment.  University of California Cooperative Extension.

Other uses for Yardwaste

Condon, Marlene.  Don’t Burn Brush—Build a Shelter for Wildlife.  Virginia Department of Forestry.

Virginia Dept. of Forestry. 2004. Creating Brush Piles. http://www.dof.virginia.gov/mgt/wildlife/brush-piles.shtml

Staff. 2004.  Creative Yardwaste Management.  Master Gardeners-Land Care Stewards.  Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Other Resources

PowerPoint Presentations

Reduce Yard Waste by Reuse, Frank Reilly, Master Gardener, Prince William County

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Last changed: June 18, 2008