|
A Greater Green
Thumb: Make Your Garden Environmentally Green
We hear so much about
"going green" in the news today that we sometimes forget that one
of the best ways to be environmentally friendly is through a green
thumb! Whether through careful design of a major landscape
renovation or small changes to a few habits, making your garden green
can be as simple or complex as you want. In fact, don't expect to
make major changes in how you care for your yard overnight.
Instead, consider some ideas you can implement now and then slowly add
to them. As you begin to implement new gardening techniques you
will also discover that making your landscape environmentally friendly
is not just about saving mother nature - it can also save you money!
Here are a few quick ideas to get you
started on your new green garden:
 |
Pesky weeds: Yes, dousing
them with weed killer is easier. However, most are not
children, pet or nature friendly. Some old fashioned weed
pulling can be great exercise or way to get the kids to earn
their allowance.
- Try to get weeds early in the year as this will mean less
pulling later on.
- Pulling a little at a time as you walk down a path is much
better than a whole day of work.
- Putting down mulch can help prevent weeds.
- If you have an area that is overtaken by weeds instead of
lawn, you might want to consider replanting the area with low
native plants that need little attention. |
 |
Return of the native: Using
native plants in your landscaping is a great way of choosing
plants that are accustomed to the climate and resistant to pests
in your area. Although not foolproof, you will find native
plants much easier to care for than many imports.
- Also, many imports can be harmful to the native plants of the
area. For example, English Ivy may look pretty when you care
for it, but left on its own, it is a weed that quickly overtakes
native plants and even trees! Research non-native plants
beforehand to make certain they are not really noxious weeds for
your environment. |
 |
Homebrewed compost: Adding a
compost bin is a great way to recycle food and yard waste and
get something in return for it! Composting does take about
3-6 months before you get to use any results, but once you get
the cycle going you will have a great way to decrease your
garbage and increase your plants.
- There are many styles of compost bins from indoor to outdoor,
homemade to store bought - you can even find stylized ones that
give character to your décor!
- If you don't have a garden but have yard removal, check with
your waste company's policies, many companies now offer to take
the same items you would put in a compost bin (i.e. vegetable
and fruit skins). They in turn use this to make compost
for city parks. Even if you aren't using the compost, it
is a great way to get this type of waste out of the landfill and
to areas where it will be more beneficial. |
 |
Harvest the rain: While your out
picking up a compost bin, add a rain barrel too! These
barrels can be placed directly under you gutter downspout or out
from under the eaves. It is ideal to use the water
regularly to keep it circulating. Overall this will help
save on your water usage and bills! |
 |
Water thoughtfully: Watering your
plants properly will avoid unnecessary waste.
- Use drip hoses for more even watering and to help decrease
your water bill.
- When watering plants, pay attention to their roots and water
them before the sun is high so the plant has time to drink
before it evaporates.
- Using mulch around your plants can keep natural moisture in.
Just make sure the mulch is not too deep and you leave some
space at the base of the plant stem. |
 |
Grow your groceries: What is more
green then eating from your own garden? If you have never
gardened before, start with a small plot and easier to grow
veggies. For local advice, check out your neighborhood
gardening associations which often offer free classes.
Getting garden fresh foods on your table not only helps the
environment but offers you better flavor and ease of mind as you
know exactly what went into your produce.
- Don't have a large yard? Urban community gardens are a fun
way to build a sense of community, get free gardening help and
again, harvest some great tasting produce.
- Another way to garden in small spaces are through container
gardens. Using containers to grow herbs and smaller
vegetables like onions or spinach is a great alternative.
- As you garden more, you will begin to start your veggies from
seeds rather than buying starts at the store. When making
starts of your own, use old milk cartons or other containers
that you can recycle and use again and again. |
 |
Invite the birds and the bees:
Utilizing plants in your garden that are naturally appealing to
beneficial insects and birds is a great way to improve the life
of your plants. These good allies will help cut down on
bad bug pests and can be fun to watch too!
- Plant flowers and plants that are attractive to butterflies,
bees and other naturally beneficial insects. Encouraging
natural pollinators and cutting down your use of pesticides is a
great combo for these natural little friends.
- Some nurseries even sell lady bugs as they are a great natural
defense for bug problems.
- Invite birds into your yard with berry plants, flowers, and a
water bath. Birds are some of your best pest reducers.
- If you have berries you want to keep for yourself instead of
the birds, there are safe netting options out there that don't trap birds but keep them off your berries! |
 |
Plan your garden: As
we have mentioned in earlier articles, planning out a garden can
save you a lot of headache and money down the road. But it
can also allow you to be more green. When planning your layout you
may pay closer attention to what areas of the yard get more sun
or rain and install plants that are suitable for different
locations.
- You can also minimize your gardening chores by planning
certain "wild" areas or buffers using native plants that require
little upkeep. |
 |
Hardscapes: Finally,
when planning or renovating your yard, consider the non-organic
features. From the paths to the containers, consider what
impacts the materials you use will have on the environment and
your garden's health.
- Recycled materials are becoming more readily available for
constructing everything from paths to patios. Take a look
at all the options and give these recycled materials a chance.
- Try to get planters and containers made of recycled material.
Some people get very creative with old items that they turn into
planters (i.e. an old sink or wheelbarrow).
- Try some of the new solar lights to add lighting features to
your yard. They are earth friendly and can save you money! |
|
Useful Links
 EPA:
Greenscapes
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/green/
Information about going green provided by the US Environmental
Protection Agency. Includes ideas for homes, businesses and
recreational areas.
USDA Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service
www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/
"This section of our Web site will help you
find your nearest Cooperative Extension office. The Cooperative
Extension System is a nationwide, non-credit educational network.
Each U.S. state and territory has a state office at its land-grant
university and a network of local or regional offices. These offices
are staffed by one or more experts who provide useful, practical,
and research-based information to agricultural producers, small
business owners, youth, consumers, and others in rural areas and
communities of all sizes." This resource will help you find
state specific plant information.
 American
Horticultural Society List of Mater Gardeners
www.ahs.org/master_gardeners/
"The map below links to Master Gardener
websites in the United States. Links to Master Gardener programs in
three Canadian provinces are listed below as well. Clicking on the
map and links below will connect you to some of the best,
regionally-specific advice you can get on gardening." To find
out more about classes, gardening tips and the best plants for your
area, check out these state sites.
Green Cleaning Products
http://www.buygreensavvy.com
Quality green and eco friendly products at the best
prices!
|
