From adorning your backyard furniture in protective lawn chair covers to implementing natural greenery that speaks to the ever-changing landscape of eco-friendly gardening, spring is officially in season. But what many aspiring landscapers fail to keep in mind is the impact certain gardening materials and practices have on the environment. Thankfully, keeping an eye on environmental awareness is easier than you think. With some prior planning and these eco-conscious ideas on your side, you’ll be able to get to sowing and planting a green friendly garden in no time.
Learn from the Natives
The practice of embracing vegetation native to your area or region is one of the most important aspects of eco-conscious gardening. Native plant species produce a vibrant garden that boasts low maintenance, thanks in part to the plant’s familiarity with the local environment. Do your research to see which flowers, shrubs, and herbs are native to your area. Learn to avoid invasive species that threaten the vitality of your native backyard garden. Once you have compiled your list of local flora, you can begin planting the seeds of your all-native, all-natural garden knowing that you are playing an active part in supporting the local ecosystems.
Radical Reusing
One of the simplest steps you can take to reduce your garden’s ecological footprint is to rely on the re-use of materials and items. Instead of dropping cash on new gardening tools, opt for secondhand purchases that can gain new life instead of being tossed in the trash. Check out your local thrift store or community-based website for supplies like watering cans, planter pots, and hand trowels. Unlike an overused and damaged cheap, store-bought $10 vinyl tarp, these tools can be thrifted with no qualms. Not only will they be more affordable, but their usage cuts down on waste. Consider setting up a supply swap with your neighborhood gardeners where you can all share gardening supplies and swap any seeds that you may not be using that would otherwise end up sitting unused in your shed.
Intelligent Irrigation
A garden cannot be considered environmentally friendly if an excessive amount of water is being wasted. This is especially true during the dry season, when water conservation is most crucial. There are a number of methods available for responsibly irrigating your backyard:
- Rain barrels or IBC totes are popular choices among green-conscious gardeners for collecting rainwater. Simply place these barrels underneath gutter spouts or downspouts and wait for the spring shower rainwater to collect. Rain barrels can be purchased or made DIY style, and their attached hoses make watering your backyard a breeze.
- Grading is another great option. This watering method consists of constructing small slopes in your topsoil that uses gravity to guide falling rainwater directly to your plants. Grading can be integrated into your backyard with the help of a landscaper or on your own.
- Sprinklers on a timer are the most common choice for watering a backyard garden. Being able to schedule a sprinkler allows you to adhere to local jurisdictions regarding personal water usage and plan when to put on your patio furniture covers for waterproof protection.
- Adding mulch to your soil reduces the need for watering, allowing you to cut back on excess irrigation.
Mulch Ado About Nothing
Maintaining a healthy and eco-friendly backyard means starting from the roots – literally. How you treat your soil has a huge impact on the sustainability of your backyard ecosystem. Adding mulch to your garden gives your soil a boost of much-needed nutrients, improves moisture retention, and prevents the growth of irritating weeds in your flowerbed. Making your own mulch is a simple project that can be accomplished with a rake, lawnmower, vinyl tarp, and common yard trimmings such as pine needles, wood chips, and tree bark. Spreading your mulch is simple enough and can be done as soon as your plant the seeds of your native vegetation. Mulch can also be used in junction with stones or bricks to create an aesthetically pleasing path to your garden or placed throughout your front and back yards grass cover to promote healthy growth.
Au Naturale
Many backyard gardeners opt for chemically laden fertilizers and pesticides for maintaining their flower beds and shrubs. However, the use of chemically synthetic solutions has been proven to cause damage to the environment and increase pollution levels. Leave the toxic treatments behind and use only natural solutions in your garden. This means spreading natural fertilizer made from your own compost consisting of kitchen scraps and food waste, embracing natural pest control, and steering clear of harsh chemical weed killers. When applying any of these solutions, be sure to place your patio furniture covers ahead of time to prevent any spillage.
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