GREEN GARDENING

Tips and Ideas on How to Go Green in the Garden

Going green is the hot trend, but many people get overwhelmed on how to do it or what can be done that truly has a positive impact on the environment. By its very nature, gardening is a green activity, but there are steps to take to make it as eco-friendly as possible.

Here are a few ideas on how to go green in the garden: 

• Compost kitchen scraps indoors, then transfer them to a larger composter outside, which can also handle yard waste.
• Water sparingly and on target with drip systems, soaker hoses or sprinklers that have multiple settings, so the water doesn't spray the sidewalk, side of the house, etc.
• Water in the morning or late evening when it will have time to soak in and not evaporate too quickly as it would in the midday heat.
• - Plant native grasses as they are comfortable in their indigenous environment and require less water and maintenance. 
• Plant container gardens as pots keep plants ensconced in a smaller space, which makes watering more direct to the roots. Terracotta pots are a great option for container gardens as the clay absorbs water and keeps the soil damp longer.
• Collect water with a rain barrel, then reuse the water sparingly to hydrate plants.
• Plant flowers that attract bumblebees, birds or butterflies to the garden, as they naturally keep insects at bay and/or help pollinate and propagate the garden.