4 Ways to Go Green in the Garden

In the recent years, the idea of environmentally conscious society seems to captivate more and more people. There is more to the phrase “green” than just replacing your electric bulbs with an LED one or sorting your garbage. This is a way of thinking that impacts every aspect of your life. Then why not incorporate some sustainable practices in your gardening? Combine aesthetics and practicality, while preserving the environment.

Water Conservation

• Garden

Reduce the water consumption by planting greenery that is typical to your specific region. Hybrids and plants brought from different areas might require more watering, unlike local species that are accustomed to the environment. Select plants that are tolerant to your climate.

Apply mulch to preserve the moisture of the soil. Water only when needed.

Use barrels to collect rain water, attach to downspouts. Seal rain barrels with a lid and use a fine mesh filter over the entry hole in order to prevent mosquitos from settling.

Prevent water loss by installing soaker hose or drip irrigation.

Keep hard surfaces away from your plants. The concrete can soak up the water and dries the soil.

• Lawn

Replace the conventional sprinklers with low – angle spray. Position your devices in a way that the water doesn’t fall on the street or on the walkways.

Keep grass no shorter than 1” (2.54 cm). It retains water better, resists pest better and has a better chance of surviving drought.

Overseed with grass seed in the fall to help prevent weed growth in the spring and summer. A healthy, full lawn will prevent weeds from forming. If grass doesn’t grow well ever, consider alternative ground cover such as wild flowers, other types of grasses or herbs such as flowering thyme. Ask your local nursery for suggestions for your location.

Fossil – fuel Energy Consumption

• Garden

Do most of your landscaping work manually, instead of using electric devices. Use non-petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides.

• Lawn

Reduce the size of your lawn and plant the site with shrubs and resistant perennials.

Mow your lawn only when required. Switch your gas – power mower with an electric or manual machine.

Waste Management

• Garden

Turn your garden’s waste into mulch. Leaves, shredded barks, grass clippings and other organic material can be turned into a powerful gardening ingredient.

Made a compost pile: Use the waste from your kitchen to make natural compost. Vegetable and fruit scraps (“green”) mixed with garden cuttings (“brown”) will enrich the soil with nutrients. (Avoid using meal leftovers, raw meat and bones as these will attract rodents.)

• Lawn

Don’t remove grass clippings after mowing the lawn.

Garden Design

Make your garden functional and pleasing by planning your landscape carefully.

Cut down the size of your lawn. Although, the vast green lawn brings joy to the eye, it’s impractical. This space can be transformed into a vegetable garden. By growing your own fruits and vegetables you will receive natural and safe food, while having a beautiful garden.

Diversify your garden by planting different types of greenery. The plants will establish mutually beneficial relationships that will shield them from unwanted irritants and disease.

Strategically located tree can reduce your electric bill sufficiently. During the winter, the greenery will reduce the effects of the cold winds. In the summer it will shade your home, keeping it cool.

Maintenance

Test your soil before applying any treatment.

Use organic fertilizer that will not pollute the groundwater. Don’t put too much of it, because it can make your greenery susceptible to disease.

Deal with the weeds in a natural way. Regular mulching will prevent the development of irritants. Mix together greenery with different growth rate. The plants that develop faster will shade the weed and will eventually kill them.

Fight the pests with their natural predators. Ladybug s and marigolds can get rid of the aphids easily. For more ideas visit: Gardening Services Gardeners.