Repurposing Christmas Trees: A Creative & Fun Guide

After the holiday season, many of us are left wondering what to do
with our Christmas trees. Why not repurpose them for a variety of practical and creative uses? From enriching your garden to providing habitat for wildlife, your tree can have many new lives after the holidays are over. Repurposing your tree helps reduce waste, benefits the environment, and can even add some unique touches to your garden.

For the Garden

• 

  Mulch: Shred the tree’s branches and trunk into mulch to spread around trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Pine needles are an excellent mulch because they decompose slowly, helping retain moisture in the soil and reducing weeds.

• Erosion Control: If you have bare slopes or areas prone to runoff, use the branches to prevent erosion. The tree’s structure helps hold the soil in place, especially during heavy rains.

• Wildlife Habitat: Consider leaving the tree whole in your yard. It can provide valuable shelter for birds, squirrels, and other small animals during the winter months. For added benefit, place birdhouses or feeders nearby.

Craft Projects

• Woodworking: The trunk can be repurposed into practical or decorative items. Use it to create small furniture pieces like stools, benches, or even simple garden markers. For smaller pieces, you can carve the wood into candle holders, picture frames, or other craft projects.

• Bird Feeders: Coat pinecones with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed, then hang them on the tree’s branches. This makes an easy and natural bird feeder that attracts local wildlife. Plus, it’s a great way to reuse pinecones, which might otherwise go to waste.

Composting

• 
  Compost Bin: After cutting the tree into smaller pieces, add it to your compost pile. The wood, branches, and needles are rich in carbon, which helps balance the nitrogen in food scraps and accelerates decomposition. This is a natural way to enrich your soil for the next gardening season.

Community Use

• Recycling Programs: Many communities offer Christmas tree recycling, turning trees into wood chips or mulch for public parks and landscaping projects. Look for local recycling programs, which are a simple way to give your tree a second life.

• Fish Habitats: In some areas, trees are submerged in lakes or ponds to provide shelter for fish and other aquatic species. Wildlife and conservation groups often organize these efforts, turning old trees into valuable habitats for marine life.

Use as Firewood

• Firewood: Once dried, the trunk can be cut into smaller logs and used as firewood for outdoor fire pits or wood stoves. Pinewood burns quickly and is great for kindling, but be cautious not to burn it indoors due to the potential for creosote buildup.

• Bonfire Material: The branches and needles can be used to start a backyard bonfire, providing warmth and ambiance during cold evenings or post holiday gatherings.

For Animals

• Goat Feed: Some farms accept old Christmas trees for goat feed, as the pine needles are a nutritious treat. Just make sure the tree has not been treated with chemicals or pesticides.

• Animal Bedding: Shredded branches and pine needles make great bedding for chickens or small pets. The natural material helps insulate outdoor enclosures during the winter months. By recycling your tree, you extend its usefulness and make a positive impact on the environment.

Holiday Gifts for Gardeners: Ideas for the Green Thumbs in Your Life

The holiday season is the perfect time to show the gardeners in your life how much you appreciate their love for growing. Whether they have a sprawling vegetable patch or a cozy indoor garden, thoughtful gifts can bring joy and inspiration. In Idaho, where winters can be long and harsh, gardening gifts that work year-round are especially welcome. Here are some creative and practical ideas for gardeners this holiday season.

Gardening tools are always a practical and thoughtful gift. In a climate like Idaho's, where winters can be particularly cold, a pair of heavy-duty gloves is essential. Look for insulated, waterproof gloves to keep hands warm and dry during winter gardening tasks like pruning or snow removal. Pruning shears are another must-have. A sharp, ergonomic pair helps gardeners trim trees and shrubs during the dormant season. A soil thermometer is also a great gift, allowing gardeners to monitor soil temperatures and know when it’s the right time to plant in the spring.

Indoor gardening gifts are perfect for those who want to continue growing through the winter months. A hydroponic kit is an excellent option for growing fresh herbs, greens, or even small vegetables indoors without soil. These self-watering systems are great for gardeners with limited space, like apartment dwellers. A beautifully illustrated gardening book also makes a thoughtful gift. Whether it's a plant care book or an inspiring guide to indoor gardening, these books offer useful tips and creative ideas for keeping plants healthy through the winter. Many indoor gardeners also appreciate grow lights, especially when natural light is scarce. Adjustable LED grow lights create the ideal environment for plants to thrive indoors, even during Idaho’s dark winter months.

A garden journal is another great gift for the gardener who likes to track their planting, growth progress, and seasonal changes. These journals often include spaces to note weather conditions, plant varieties, and lessons learned, making them a valuable tool for planning future seasons. Plus, they’re a great way for gardeners to reflect on their progress and goals. Look for journals that also have prompts for creative gardening ideas or sketches of their garden layouts.

DIY garden gifts are always a hit and add a personal touch that store-bought items can’t match. One creative idea is making seed bombs. These eco-friendly gifts can be easily made using native wildflower seeds, clay, and compost. They’re perfect for spreading beauty in any garden or gifting to friends. Another fantastic DIY project is upcycled garden markers. You can make personalized markers from old spoons, pieces of wood, or smooth stones. Paint them with plant names or fun designs for a rustic touch.

For a more elaborate DIY project, consider crafting a homemade potting station. You can repurpose old furniture, like an unused table or cabinet, to create a practical work space for repotting plants or storing tools. Add hooks for hanging small tools, shelves for storing pots, or drawers for organizing gardening supplies. It’s a functional and thoughtful gift that any gardener will appreciate. You could also put together a seed starting kit, complete with DIY seed trays made from egg cartons or cardboard boxes, some organic seeds, and a small watering can.

Another meaningful DIY project is creating a garden-themed gift basket. Fill the basket with an assortment of gardening essentials and homemade treasures. Include items like packets of seeds, gardening gloves, small hand tools, and a couple of gardening books for inspiration. Add in some herb-infused oils, dried flowers, plant-based soaps, or even a jar of homemade jam made from last season’s harvest. You could also toss in a hand-crafted bird feeder, a cozy for a favorite plant, or some garden markers. This thoughtful collection brings a touch of the garden indoors, offering warmth and nature's beauty during the colder months.

Whether it’s practical tools, indoor gardening solutions, or personalized DIY creations, these gift ideas will delight any gardener and help them stay connected to their passion, even through Idaho’s cold winter months. The right gift can inspire new gardening projects and prepare them for the next growing season.

Indoor Herbs for Winter Cooking

If you love using fresh herbs in your kitchen year-round, consider growing your own herbs inside your home. Some of the best winter meals are made with the snip of a fresh branch grown in your windowsill!

For an indoor culinary garden, consider growing garlic, chives, basil, oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary or thyme. If you want to grow a tea garden you may want to plant spearmint, peppermint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, chamomile or catnip.

To start your indoor herbs, you can either buy pre-started herbs, or you can start from seeds. Either way works, but if you prefer more unique herbs, then starting from seed may be your only option.

If you decide to grow herbs that have already been started, then make sure the container has good drainage and is large enough for the plant to grow. If the container is too small, simply choose a different pot and transplant it. Be sure to water the plants regularly. 

Light is very important, so place your herbs in a sunny location that receives at least half a day of sun. New information about indoor lighting has made it easier for the home gardeners. Those labeled "cool white" work well. "Warm white" and "Daylight" may also work. Lamps tailored to a plant's needs are also available. 

A bonus to indoor herb gardens is that they can be moved outside after the threat of frost passes. Simply place your herb pots outdoors and enjoy fresh herbs all year round.

For more information on starting seeds the University of Idaho Extension provides this excellent resource: Start Seeds Indoor With Success 

Amaryllis Magic: Winter Cheer

Winter is a magical time for indoor gardening, and the amaryllis stands out as one of the most stunning winter-blooming plants. Known for its impressive, large flowers that can range from pristine white to deep red, the amaryllis adds vibrant color to holiday decor and offers a rewarding gardening experience.

To begin your amaryllis journey, plant the bulb in the fall, ideally in late October or early November. This timing allows the plant to bloom beautifully during the winter months. 

Select a healthy bulb from a reputable source and choose a pot that is about 1-2 inches wider than the bulb. Use a well-draining potting mix, and when potting, ensure that the top one-third of the bulb remains above the soil to prevent rot. Place the pot in a warm, bright location—around 70°F (21°C) is ideal. Water thoroughly after planting, making sure excess water can drain away.

As the plant grows, thick, sturdy stalks will emerge, followed by large, trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms can last for several weeks, creating a cheerful atmosphere in your home. To maintain the plant’s appearance, remember to turn it regularly to ensure even light exposure and prevent it from leaning toward the light source.

Once the flowers fade, proper care for the foliage is essential. Allow the leaves to die back naturally, as they play a crucial role in photosynthesis, storing energy in the bulb for future growth. When the leaves turn yellow and begin to wither, you can cut them back to the bulb.

For those looking for an easier option, waxed amaryllis bulbs have become increasingly popular. Coated in colorful wax, these bulbs require no soil or potting and can simply be displayed in bright, indirect light. The wax helps retain moisture, allowing the bulb to grow without the need for watering. While waxed bulbs are typically intended to be discarded after blooming, they can be revived with a bit of effort.

After the flowers fade, you can remove the wax and any wire from the bulb. If the bulb is still firm, you can plant it in a well-draining potting mix, treating it like a traditional amaryllis bulb. Plant it with the top one-third exposed above the soil, place it in a warm, bright location, and resume regular care. With proper attention, the bulb may produce new growth and bloom again.

If you choose to save a traditional amaryllis for next year, give it a resting period of about eight weeks in a cool, dark place after the blooms fade. Repot the bulb in fresh soil, lightly water it, and return it to a warm, bright location to stimulate new growth.

With the right care, both traditional and waxed amaryllis bulbs can bloom again, bringing joy and beauty to your home year after year. Understanding their unique needs—from planting in the fall to post-bloom care—allows you to enjoy the spectacular flowers of the amaryllis long after the holiday season has passed, making it a cherished addition to your indoor garden.

Gardening for Gratitude: Finding Thanks in the Quiet Season

As the garden quiets under the soft gray skies of November, it offers something that can be easy to overlook in the rush of planting and harvesting: time to reflect. Gardening connects us — not only to the soil beneath our feet, but also to the broader rhythm of community and care. When the growing slows, gratitude has space to grow.

Gratitude for the Living Soil

Beneath every patch of mulch and layer of fallen leaves, the soil is still very much alive. Even as the air cools, countless microbes, fungi, and invertebrates continue the slow work of breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the earth. Taking a moment to appreciate that unseen activity reminds us that rest and renewal are part of the same cycle.

A gardener’s gratitude can begin here: for healthy soil, for the worms and fungi that enrich it, and for the patience it teaches us every season.

Gratitude for Stewardship

Gardening teaches humility — we don’t control nature; we collaborate with it.
By planting with purpose, conserving water, or leaving seed heads for birds and beneficial insects, we practice gratitude through action. Even when the garden sleeps, these small choices continue to support life through winter.

Our gratitude deepens when we recognize that every act of care — composting, conserving, or simply noticing — sustains the living systems that sustain us.

Gratitude for Community

As the garden settles into its winter rest, many of us find ourselves with a little more time — time we once spent watering, weeding, or harvesting. November offers the chance to turn that energy outward, to nurture something beyond our own backyards.

Gratitude can take root in new places when we lend a hand in our communities. Local food banks, shelters, and meal programs need extra help during the colder months. Animal rescues, libraries, and senior centers often welcome volunteers, too. Even small acts — checking in on a neighbor, raking leaves for someone who can’t, or donating fresh produce or canned goods — remind us that the spirit of gardening is really about growing connection and care.

Just as we tend the soil to nourish life, volunteering tends the human side of our shared landscape. Every small kindness enriches the place we all call home.

Gratitude for the Seasons of Rest

It’s tempting to see November as an ending, but the garden’s dormancy is its own kind of beginning.
The leaves that fall become next year’s humus. The perennials that fade prepare their roots for renewal. And we, too, can slow down, take stock, and dream ahead — not with urgency, but with appreciation for all the quiet work that happens unseen.

Taking It Forward

As you plan for the next season, maybe start your list with thanks:

To the soil that fed your garden.

To the pollinators and wildlife who share our spaces.

To the neighbors and volunteers who strengthen our communities.

And to the cycle of growth, rest, and renewal that continues, year after year.

Gratitude, like compost, deepens the more you turn it.

Harvesting & Storing Potatoes for Winter Eating!

 Potatoes are vegetables that are easy to grow and also store well over winter if handled properly. The time between planting and harvesting of mid-season and late varieties of potatoes typically ranges from 90 to 120 days. Once harvested, Idaho potatoes require careful harvesting and storage to ensure they remain fresh and flavorful through the winter months. Here’s a guide to help you through the process.

Harvesting Potatoes
Typically, Idaho potatoes are ready for harvest about 2-3 weeks after the plants have died back. Look for yellowing leaves and stems. Use a pitchfork or shovel to gently lift the tubers from the soil. Be cautious to avoid piercing the potatoes, as this can lead to rot during storage. After harvesting, brush off any excess soil but avoid washing them. Moisture can encourage rot, so it’s best to keep them dry until you’re ready to store.

Storing Potatoes (click here to watch a video)
Before storage, allow your potatoes to cure in a dark, cool place (around 45-60°F) for about 1-2 weeks. This helps to heal any cuts and toughens their skin. Potatoes should be stored in a dark, well-ventilated area, ideally at temperatures between 35-40°F. A root cellar, basement, or a cool garage works well. Avoid exposure to light, which can cause greening and bitterness. Use burlap sacks, cardboard boxes, or wooden crates to store your potatoes. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can lead to spoilage. Periodically inspect your stored potatoes. Remove any that show signs of spoilage to prevent the spread to healthy ones.

With the right care, you can enjoy the taste of potatoes long after the harvest season. By following these tips for harvesting and storing, you’ll enjoy your garden’s bounty throughout the winter months.

Cozy Up, Little Bugs! The Quest for Perfect Winter Hideways!

Now that fall is upon us in southwestern Idaho, it's the perfect time to explore whether structures like bug snugs and butterfly houses truly support overwintering insects. While these habitats can be charming additions to your garden, their effectiveness in providing shelter for beneficial insects is worth examining.
In this region, insects have diverse overwintering strategies. Many butterflies and other beneficial insects overwinter as eggs, caterpillars (larvae), or chrysalises rather than as adults. For instance, monarch butterflies migrate to warmer areas to survive the winter, while others may find refuge in leaf litter or within protective layers of plants. Given this, the role of butterfly houses in supporting overwintering populations can be limited, particularly for species that do not remain as adults during colder months.

Bug snugs can offer more significant benefits. By providing cozy spaces filled with natural materials like dried leaves, straw, and twigs, bug snugs can create ideal microhabitats for overwintering insects, including solitary bees and ladybugs. These insects often seek out sheltered spots to hibernate, and well-constructed bug snugs can help meet that need.
Additionally, a bug snug is a great option for those with smaller yards. They can be designed to fit in compact spaces, making them ideal for urban gardens. Even in limited areas, bug snugs can contribute to local biodiversity by providing shelter for beneficial insects, which is especially important in densely populated regions. Creating a bug snug can also be a fun project for families, fostering interest in gardening and nature while teaching kids about the important roles insects play in our ecosystem.However, while bug snugs and butterfly houses may provide some shelter, they are not substitutes for natural habitats. Encouraging diverse environments in your garden is crucial. This includes planting native flora that supports the entire life cycle of butterflies and other beneficial insects. For example, host plants provide food for caterpillars, while nectar-rich flowers attract adult butterflies.
In southwestern Idaho, focusing on native plants, such as milkweed for monarchs or asters for late-season nectar, will create a more effective environment for insect populations. Allowing leaf litter to accumulate and avoiding excessive cleanup in the fall can also provide additional overwintering opportunities for insects, as many rely on this natural debris for protection.
In conclusion, while bug snugs may effectively support certain overwintering insects, butterfly houses might not be as beneficial for many butterfly species. By creating a diverse and supportive garden environment filled with native plants and natural shelters, you can enhance insect populations and foster biodiversity in your garden, ensuring a healthier ecosystem for years to come.

Time to put your garden to bed for the winter

 "Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter  lies a miracle  ... a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl.  And the anticipation nurtures our dream."                      -  Barbara Winkler

Some of you, at the end of the gardening season, are so ready to be done and put your tools away.  However, placing your garden to rest for the winter is planting the best seed for success in the next year.  Help your garden thrive, not just survive, with these few tips to get ready for next spring...  

Clean Up – Leave seeded flower stems for winter food and places for native bees to overwinter. If it’s healthy, not only are you allowing all of the remaining energy left in the plant to feed the roots, but you are also providing valuable habitat for many of our native pollinators. They will use these structures to overwinter, perhaps having already laid their larvae within the stems. Structures from grasses and other hollow-stemmed perennials are especially valuable. Old vines provide places for insects and diseases to hide. Throw away plants that are suspect for bugs and disease to avoid passing them on to the next season.  Designate an area for a compost pile if you don’t already have one.  Add what you can to the compost pile or leave as mulch on the soil.  

Soil Testing – This is a great time to get your soil analyzed because if you find out now that your soil needs amended, you can apply it in the fall so that it has all winter to work its way into the soil.  

Crimson Clover Cover Crop

Cover Crop – In some areas of your garden you might consider planting a cover crop.  They improve soil fertility, structure, water retention, and suppress annual winter weeds.  

Leaves – Rake fallen leaves into areas of the garden that do not have a cover crop.  Leaves can be used as a mulch in vegetable gardens, flower beds, and around shrubs and trees. Leaves rot very quickly and you will be surprised how many you can work into your soil.  Leaf mulch encourages beneficial earthworms, soil microbes, and overwintering bumblebees.  They are also a great compost addition. 

Tools – Clean up your tools before storing them.  A wire brush can help get the dirt off and oil can maintain the metal parts to keep from rusting.  

Garden Journaling – Keep adding notes to your journal so you can keep track of your successes or what you could have done better, what you might want to try again or simply remove from the list. 

Tend your crops in your cold frames - carrots, lettuce, spinach, etc. Easy Peasy! 

Now relax, close your eyes, dream about spring, and await those seed and gardening catalogs!  

Pumpkin Rescue: Creative Ways to Reuse or Recycle!

As Halloween and fall come to a close, many of us are left with an abundance of leftover pumpkins and seasonal decorations. Rather than throwing them away, consider innovative ways to preserve what you can eat and give the rest a new purpose. Here are some clever ideas that not only help reduce waste but also dispel common pumpkin myths along the way.

Preserve What You Can Eat

One of the most rewarding ways to utilize your pumpkins is by preserving them for future meals. Fresh pumpkin can be roasted, pureed, or made into soups, pies, and other delicious dishes. If you have leftover pumpkin flesh, consider freezing it in portions. Just scoop out the insides, blend, and store in airtight containers or freezer bags.

However, be cautious: only use pumpkins that are fresh and free from mold or decay. Moldy or unsafe pumpkins can pose health risks, so ensure that any pumpkin you plan to eat is in good condition before using it.

Composting Fun

If you have leftover pumpkins that are no longer fit for consumption, composting is an excellent option. Pumpkins are biodegradable and rich in nutrients that can enhance your garden soil. Simply chop them into smaller pieces to expedite the composting process. Myth alert: Many people worry that adding pumpkins to compost will attract pests. In reality, balancing your compost with greens and browns can help prevent pest issues while creating nutrient-rich soil.

Feed Our Animal Friends

Consider donating your pumpkins to local farms or animal sanctuaries. Pigs, goats, and chickens relish pumpkin as a tasty and nutritious treat. Myth buster: There’s a common misconception that feeding animals pumpkin will make them sick. However, as long as the pumpkins are fresh and mold-free, they can be a healthy snack for livestock.

Get Crafty

Before you toss out your seasonal decor, think about how you can upcycle those pumpkins! Transform them into charming planters, candle holders, or fun bird feeders. Hollow out the pumpkins, carve a design, and fill them with soil and seeds. Myth-buster: Some believe that you can’t plant pumpkin seeds after Halloween. Not true! You can clean and dry the seeds from your pumpkins and plant them next year.

Recycling

Boise residents are encouraged to place their pumpkins in their compost carts this season. The city’s Compost Facility appreciates pumpkins during this time, as the extra moisture and nutrients help break down leaves. Check with your local waste management or agricultural offices for recycling efforts available in your area.

Natural Decorations

To maintain the cozy fall ambiance, consider using natural decorations like dried flowers or pinecones that can also be composted later. These elements enhance your home’s warmth without adding to landfill waste. 

By embracing these creative solutions for leftover pumpkins and fall decor, you not only reduce waste but also enhance your culinary and gardening experiences. So, before you toss that pumpkin, remember: every gourd deserves a second chance!