Go Green in Your Garden
By: Elizabeth Griffin
Eco-friendly gardening practices have surged in popularity in recent years. The slew of natural fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides on the market can be overwhelming; some don’t even succeed in their task. Going green in your garden does not have to be complicated — or even an all-at-once transformation. Thankfully, there are a few simple yet effective actions you can add to your routine to help the environment while tending to your plants.
Reduce waste by reusing old containers you may have been considering tossing out. Tin buckets, watering cans, or clay pots make perfect porch garden containers. Reusing products like these will not only reduce waste; it will also add charm and personal touch to your space.
Composting is a rich source of nutrients and makes a great addition to any garden. Take leftover herbs, uncooked vegetables, and other organic materials and add them to your compost pile. Natural egg cartons and lawn clipping can also be used in the compost — but avoid cooked vegetables and all meat products. Use a small jar in the kitchen or a large trash can in the backyard to hold the fertilizer; it depends on what you feel comfortable using! Over time, mix in the compost in the first two or three inches of topsoil, regularly doing so as it decomposes. The nutrients will release into the soil over time. In turn, your plants will receive the nutrients they need without the harmful chemicals in conventional topsoil.
Next, natural pest control can seem like a daunting chore. Remember—you do not have to do everything at once, or even at all! Changing one thing can make all the difference.
Begin by using a copper slug ring to redirect slugs’ interests so that they do not bother your crop. This product can replace a variety of chemicals you may have had to employ to repel slugs.
Grow dill or fennel to help reduce the number of pesky insects. These plants attract hoverflies, which like to munch on harmful greenflies.
While they will one day turn into beautiful butterflies, caterpillars are among the most detrimental insects to brassicas such as cabbage. Handpick the caterpillar off of leaves, or use a mesh netting over the top of the plants to prevent the insects from reaching the plant. Erecting bird boxes will also help attract nesting birds, which will help with caterpillar control.
For weed control, spread compost or tree bark around the base of your plants to inhibit growth. If this does not work, leave a plastic sheet over the weeds for a few days, and they should wither away.
Remember, there are plenty of natural remedies available for pest control, but don’t feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to use all of them at once! Challenge yourself to change out one garden product you currently use in favor of a natural remedy or product.
Finally, plant choice is one of the most critical aspects of an eco-friendly garden. Companion gardening is an excellent way to repel insects and prevent disease in plants. For instance, carrots and leeks repel insects detrimental to each other, so they are great to plant together. Marigolds, on the other hand, repel aphids that are known to munch on tomato plants, which will help reduce herbicide use. Additionally, selecting plants that attract bees will also help with pollination. Plant flowers in the same general areas as your fruits or vegetables so that pollinators can easily access them.
Eco-Friendly gardening techniques can seem like an overwhelming prospect. Still, it is rewarding to know that you have made a positive impact on the environment. So, do not be discouraged by the number of natural products on the market. See which methods work for you, and remember that even the smallest change can make a difference.