How To Become More Eco in Your Garden
If you love to garden, chances are you probably appreciate nature and the environment. You may even be looking for more natural and eco-friendly ways to pursue your favourite pastime. Here are some easy and inexpensive steps you can take to become more organic in the garden.
1. Use natural garden pest control. Natural pesticides are available commercially, or you can make your own. Diatomaceous earth is an insecticidal powder that is made from fossil diatoms, and is non-toxic to humans. Other non-toxic options include hot pepper sprays and insecticidal soaps.
2. Natural weed control is also essential. The best way to keep weeds under control is simply to pull them out. But if you can’t do that for whatever reason, try pouring white vinegar directly (undiluted) onto weeds. Do not use chemical weed-killer.
3. Plant trees to provide shade and, if you are able, plant trees that will bear fruit. The shade will decrease your energy bills in the summer.
4. Compost your kitchen and food scraps as well as leaves and yard clippings. Composting your own food scraps will cut down on expenses decrease the volume of garbage being generated from your household.
5. Forego the postage-stamp-perfect lawn and opt for a more natural eco-friendly lawn. It takes a lot of chemical intervention to create the artificial green square lawn so prized by many. Instead, try planting wildflowers or herbs where your lawn is.
6. Use a rain barrel to cut down on your use of municipal water. Plants thrive on rain water, and it’s free!
7. Plant native species of plants as much as possible. Native species are not only hardier, but they will not introduce foreign plant matter into the surrounding ecosystem. Also, natives require less intervention; they are naturally resistant to the bugs and conditions of their native land.
8. Use eco-friendly pots and planters if you go the container garden route. You can recycle old jugs, teapots, watering cans, and even shoes by making them into planters. You can also get planting containers that are made from recycled materials.
9. Look into solar features for your garden, such as solar-powered lights and water features.
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