Gardening can take many forms, from a full acre of veggies to small container pots on the porch. One thing is true for both, you want your garden to be sustainable and friendly to the environment. If you’re just starting out, may we suggest Morning Chores container gardening? We’ve rounded up five points to consider when creating a sustainable garden.
Pesticide-Free
Keep your fruits and vegetables free from pests and pesticides by using these easy home remedies. You can also fight harmful bugs, such as aphids, with beneficial bugs like the ladybug, a great alternative to harmful chemicals.
Native Plants
Native plants are those occurring naturally in an area. They contribute to a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem that improves the environment for birds, bees, and other pollinators. Check out the Audubon’s Native Plant database for specific native plants in your region.
Compost
Not only does composting decrease the amount of waste in landfills, but it can also improve your garden soil’s composition. When you add this rich natural fertilizer, you help keep the pH of the soil in balance making for happy and healthy plants. If you’re a beginner, check out this helpful article.
Save Seeds
For as long as we’ve been growing our gardens, we’ve been saving and exchanging seeds. This sustainable practice helps promote genetic diversity and contributes to saving the at-risk bee population! Check out these tips on saving seeds to get you started!
Water Friendly
Finding the balance between water conservation and plant growth is at the top of a gardener’s to-do list. Two easy ways to conserve water are to use mulch in the garden, or on top of your containers, and install a rainwater harvesting barrel. The first will prevent water runoff and the second will let you more effectively use what mother nature is sharing!
Choosing one tip that leads to creating a sustainable garden is one small step in the right direction. Be sure to share your favorite tips at #elyngardens
Photo by Zoe Schaeffer, PHÚC LONG, Neha Deshmukh and Francesco Gallarotti