Leaves are falling: City of Albuquerque set to begin its green recycle collection beginning Nov. 27

Q: Recently you mentioned that the city will pick up leaves I’ve been gathering in big bags. Do you have the dates that you can share with us yet? C.E., Albuquerque

A. I sure do! Mark your calendars so you’ll have your gatherings out when it needs to be.

Each year the city of Albuquerque Solid Waste Division scurries all over Albuquerque to collect bags of yard waste — twice annually. This year the Fall ‘green-cycle’ service starts on Nov. 27 and ends Dec. 8, according to the city’s website.

On your regular trash pick-up day, set the bags of yard waste you’ve collected on the curb. It’s asked that you place them at least 5 feet away from your tall trash cans so the trash trucks can still easily do their job.

The city does have a few restrictions about the green-cycling program. The bags are not to weigh more than 40 pounds each.

Also, don’t try to sneak construction materials, gravel, smallish car parts, tires, paint, wood sealants or chemicals into the bags. This service is to collect yard waste only. That means grass clippings, leaves that have fallen from your deciduous trees or needles from pines, any finished plant life from your gardens — the done tomato plants, cucumber vines, bean plants, corn stalks, etc.

Tree limbs and branches are collected too. These need to be tied up into bundles of no more than four foot long and still keep that 40 pound weight limit. Don’t add tree trunks, as well.

This service offered by the city keeps a huge amount of product, that has the potential to become food for the earth, out of landfills so I’m imploring you to not take advantage of it perhaps aiming to get rid of stuff that isn’t/wasn’t green.

Q. I’ve planted a couple of pots with bulbs that bloom in the spring. Can I go ahead and plant some Violas on top so the pots won’t look so sad and lonely through the winter? W.C., Albuquerque

A. Sure you can. Please do it as soon as you can. The temperate weather we’re experiencing will come to an end and usually a very abrupt one. One great reason to plant some violas or pansies in the pots where you’ve planted the bulbs is that you’ll remember to water them periodically! That’s one of the best ways to keep those spring blooming bulbs healthy is by growing something that needs drinks through the dormant season. Yes, go for it, just don’t hesitate much longer.

NOTE TO READERS: Having been offered weeks of fairly mild weather it’s time to take stock and get ready for winter. Soon, we’ll have that cold crisp, clear sky night where the temperatures plummet. I’m reminding you to disconnect your hoses and covered the bibs with those inexpensive Styrofoam covers.

Remember, if you have a gas mower, to drain the fuel and then spray the under-carriage to wash off any collected clumps of grass. And then store for the winter.

Also wipe off all of your garden tools and get them stored somewhere dry.

It’s time to tidy up and be prepared for the season that’s coming. In doing so, you’ll be far more organized next year so when the time is right you’ll get to head out happily while you’re Diggin’ In!

Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.