Today an eco-friendly garden. Tomorrow the world.
There are lots of great ideas for going greener in the garden. Some you can start right away. Other ideas, such as reducing the size of your lawn, may be more gradual. One small thing often leads to another and one day you find that you’re not only an active eco-gardener; you are a true friend of the planet.
Start small.
The very first step in going greener would be to water wisely and use organic pesticides and fertilizers.
Organic gardening is growing without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides and inorganic fertilizers that pollute our soil and water. It relies on the use of beneficial insects, diversity of plants, and the use of compost to supply the soil with nutrients. A very wise Master Gardener once told me, “Feed the soil and the soil will feed your plants.” I know I’ve harped and harped about feeding the soil – and I’m sure you’re all sick of hearing it – but it really is the most vitally positive thing you can do for your garden. There are more and more organic pesticides and fertilizers on the market everyday. Even if you only use a few organic products and techniques, you'll be helping.
Water wisely.
Drip irrigation is a controlled, slow application of water that flows under low pressure through plastic pipe or hose laid along each row of plants. The water drips out of tiny holes that are made in the hose wall or from fittings called emitters that are plugged into the wall at proper spacing. Soil moisture remains constant, and air is always available. By delivering water directly to plants, little is lost to evaporation or runoff so this technique is very water efficient. A variety of emitters allow the proper amount of water to be delivered to each individual plant. It is one of the best techniques for watering gardens, fruit trees, vines and container plants.
If you don't have a drip irrigation system, having a well designed, well-timed sprinkler system saves money and reduces water waste. Sprinkler timing devices range in price and are fairly easy to use. Use a moisture sensor in your landscape to help determine when to water and the right amount. Remember to adjust the timer on the sprinkler system according to changing weather conditions. This will also help save water and money. The time of day you water is very important. Try to water in the early morning or in the evening. Otherwise, the water from the sprinkler will evaporate before it soaks into the ground.
Rain barrels offer an inexpensive and virtually effortless way to capture mineral- and chlorine-free water for watering your garden or lawn. By harnessing this resource from nature, you’ll not only notice a significant decrease in your water bill, you'll also see a reduction in storm water runoff, which will help prevent flooding and erosion. You’ll want to consider using mosquito dunks or mosquito fish to keep your rain barrel free of Skeeter larvae.
Make compost.
A real circle of life, plants feed you and then you feed your plants. Try making compost from green waste. It’s a great way to enrich your soil fertility, giving it a dose of high-powered nutrients. Aside from encouraging strong root development, the addition of compost also will improve your soil texture, aeration and water retention. Good soil has better water absorption and water-holding capacity, allowing you to reduce the amount of water you use.
Mulch your planting beds.
By helping to retain moisture, suppress weeds and insulate plants from extreme temperatures, mulch helps your garden thrive. Any material such as wood chips, straw, nutshells, paper, sawdust, leaves, seaweed, grass clippings or compost can be used as mulch. Mulching is a way to recycle materials that might otherwise be discarded and while improving your soil.
Recycle.
In addition to reusing plant containers to house your greenery, why not check out the variety of attractive, environmentally friendly planters and raised-garden kits now available at most garden centers. Whether you choose pots made from recycled copper, plastic, or even rubber to anchor your tender shoots, it all helps make a difference – plus you end up with a fabulous-looking garden.
Start growing your own food.
It may sound like a novel idea, but really, what could be more basic than growing your own food? You won’t find fresher, healthier—or cheaper—eating anywhere else. There’s nothing more satisfying than plucking a fresh blueberry off the bush minutes before you eat it. You can start small – look for an area in your yard with some sun and good drainage. And if you need more space, don’t be afraid to reclaim a little of your yard for more edibles.
Rethink your lawn.
When considering a landscape's water requirement, it is important to note that turf grasses require more frequent watering and maintenance than most other landscape plants. Carefully select grass according to its intended use, planting location and maintenance requirements. Planting the lowest water-use turf grass adapted to the region is an effective way to reduce landscape irrigation requirements. Achieving a significant reduction in water consumption and landscape maintenance may also involve reducing the size of water-sensitive lawns through the use of patios, decks, shrub beds and groundcovers.
Plant more trees.
Many newer neighborhoods in this country just don’t have enough trees. Recent suburbs and developments are built on former farm fields with no trees. If possible, homeowners should plant trees. Trees, just like all plants, breathe oxygen back in to the atmosphere. They create shade, which can cut air-conditioning costs for your home, and they add all-season beauty.
Bring on the bees and butterflies.
Welcome bees and butterflies to your garden by including a variety of native flowers they’re drawn to, such as lemon balm, wild lilac and goldenrod. By the way, you may have already heard we’re in the midst of a major bee-loss epidemic. This is serious business because pollinators affect 35 percent of the world’s crop production—and increase the output of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide. Do your part to help welcome them back!
Spread compost and spread the word.
Be an advocate for eco-friendly gardening. Tell your friends, share your ideas and you will make a difference.
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