Sustainable Gardening 101: A Spring Refresher Course
We all love having a lush garden and green yard, but sometimes that’s just not possible. But in our opinion, a healthy and productive garden is better than a “beautifully manicured” garden.
So, how can you have a healthy garden that’s also not bad to look at? We’ve got some tips to make gorgeous, sustainable gardening a snap.
1. Stay organic
This site is called Organic Authority, so you knew we were going to say it: Go organic, people! Don’t use pesticides and other harmful chemicals on your lawn or garden. My father has tended an organic garden and lawn since I was born, and while the lawn doesn’t always look perfect, it looks healthy. Also: I can chill in our yard’s grass without worrying about exposing myself to harmful chemicals. (Now, I do still have to worry about the dog poop…) Also: There’s nothing better than biting into a pepper that doesn’t have any pesticide residue.
2. Stay local
When it comes to picking flowers, grass, trees, and shrubs to plant in and around your garden, you’re best off when you stay local. According to Mother Earth News, native plants can handle the local climate and pests best.
3. Get to mulching
Mulch keeps weeds at bay and water in your garden. Mulch also provides your lawn and garden extra organic matter.
5. Lose the majority of your lawn
Say bye-bye to conventional grass, and hello to beautiful landscaped rock beds and flower patches. Also: Grow gardens everywhere. Start planting edible flowers, herbs, greens, and vegetables. These garden patches will take up space on your lawn and also provide food.
6. Composting is a sustainable gardening staple
Table scraps belong in the composting bin – not the trash. All the compost you save can be used to help your garden and its plants thrive.
7. Companion plant
Some plants just grow better when they are together! For example: Organic Authority has reported on how well tomatoes and basil grow together: “planting basil together with tomatoes improves the flavor of tomatoes and repels flies and mosquitoes.”
Do you have any additional sustainable gardening tips our readers can use? Share!
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